TV\e  \*\*on\\scd  land 


€jr’,v».aJ5 


< 


A 

SERMON, 

DELIVERED  AT  GOSHEN,  (Conn.) 

AT  THE 

ORDINATION 

OF  TUK 


Rev.  Messrs.  HIRAM  BINGHAM  & ASA  THURSTON, 


AS 


^twionatiw  to  tfjc  ©anufaiclj  Jialuntis, 


Sept.  29,  1819. 


BY  HEMAN  HUMPHREY, 

Pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  Pittsfield,  Mast. 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED  BY  SAMUEL  T.  ARMSTRONG, 
No.  50,  CoRSHitt. 


U.  Crocker,  Printer. 


. 


,t 

. ^ 


. 1 

A SERMON. 


And  there  remai)ieth 


M 

Joshua  xiii,  1. 

yet  very  much  land  to  be  possessed. 


God,  as  the  supreme  Ruler  and  absolute  Proprietor 
of  the  world,  thought  fit  to  give  all  the  land  of 
Canaan  to  Abraham  and  his  posterity  for  an  ever- 
lasting inheritance.  This  grant  was  again  and 
again  renewed  and  confirmed  to  Isaac  and  Jacob, 
as  heirs  of  the  promise.  But  they  were  not  to  take 
immediate  possession.  While  the  Canaanites  were 
filling  up  the  measure  of  their  iniquities,  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  sojourned  and  were  oppressed  in 
Egypt;  and  it  was  not  till  the  time  of  Moses,  that 
they  were  delivered  from  that  terrible  bondage,  and 
conducted  by  a series  of  miracles  through  the  wil- 
derness to  the  eastern  border  of  the  promised 
land.  There,  upon  the  top  of  a mountain,  which 
overlooked  the  fertile  plain  of  Jordan,  Moses 
yielded  up  at  once  his  commission  and  his  life — not, 
however,  till  he  had,  by  divine  authority,  invested 
Joshua  with  the  supreme  command,  and  given  him 


4 


a solemn  charge,  accompanied  with  encouragements 
and  promises,  suited  to  the  momentous  duties  of  so 
high  and  responsible  a station. 

“Be  strong  and  of  a good  courage,  for  thou  must 
go  with  this  people  unto  the  land  which  the  Lord 
hath  sworn  unto  their  fathers  to  give  them.  And 
thou  shalt  cause  them  to  inherit  it.  And  the  Lord, 
he  it  is,  that  doth  go  before  thee;  he  will  be  with 
thee,  he  will  not  fail  thee,  neither  forsake  thee; 
fear  not,  neither  be  dismayed.”  Joshua  proved 
himself,  in  all  respects,  worthy  of  the  high  trust 
reposed  in  him.  He  was  pre-eminent  both  in  coun- 
sel and  in  valor.  Putting  himself  at  the  head  of 
the  chosen  tribes,  he  passed  the  river,  and  led 
them  at  once  into  the  heart  of  the  enemies’  coun- 
try. Every  where  the  idolatrous  inhabitants  trem- 
bled at  his  approach,  and  nothing  could  surpass  the 
celerity  of  his  marches,  or  the  impetuosity  of  his 
attacks.  Nothing  could  arrest,  and  scarcely  could 
any  thing  retard,  his  progress.  Of  the  fortifications 
which  had  been  trusted  in  as  impregnable,  one  after 
another  submitted  to  his  arms,  and,  in  a word,  vic- 
tory crowned  every  enterprize.  Now,  had  the 
Israelites  in  this  state  of  things,  vigorously  pushed 
their  advantages  with  a humble  trust  in  God,  they 
might  soon  have  completed  the  conquest  of  Canaan. 
But  their  courage  seems  to  have  failed  them  in  the 
midst  of  the  most  brilliant  success.  They  wanted 
faith.  There  Avcre  giants  in  the  land.  The  mountains 
Avere  inhabited  by  fierce  and  Avarlike  clans,  Avhom  it 
was  thought  imprudent  to  disturb,  and  this  opinion 
Avas  naturally  strengthened  by  delay.  Joshua  Avas 
growing  old.  The  people  were  inclined  to  sit  doAvn 


ingloriously  contented  with  present  acquisitions,  and 
very  few  of  them,  probably,  knew  how  large  a part 
of  the  promised  heritage  was  still  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy. 

On  the  west  and  south  the  Philistines  possessed 
a large  and  fertile  district.  The  Sidonians  and 
rOthcrs  held  the  sea-coast  upon  the  northwest,  to- 
gether with  all  the  hill  country  about  Mount  Leb- 
anon, and  the  Ainorites  were  still  powerful  on  the 
coast  of  Jordan.  Several  other  nations  also,  whom 
God  had  devoted  to  utter  destruction,  still  dwelt  in 
the  land.  This  state  of  things  was  neither  safe, 
nor  honorable  to  those  who  had  been  brought 
thither  through  so  many  perils,  and  encouraged  to 
push  their  conquests  by  so  many  promises.  There 
remaineth  yet  very  much  loud  to  be  possessed , was  a 
cutting  reproof  of  their  inactivity  and  unbelief. 
And  that  no  more  time  might  be  lost,  the  aged 
Joshua  was  commanded  to  divide  this  remainder  by 
lot  among  the  tribes,  and  require  them  immediately 
to  drive  out  the  heathen,  and  take  possession  for 
themselves  and  their  children. 

The  text  admits  of  an  easy,  and  I think  a legit- 
imate application  to  the  present  comparative  state 
of  the  church  and  the  world.  As  the  nation  of 
Israel  was  then  militant,  so  is  the  church  now.  As 
the  land  of  Canaan  belonged  to  Israel,  in  virtue  of 
a divine  grant,  so  does  the  world  belong  to  the 
church;  and  as  God’s  chosen  people  still  had  much 
to  do,  before  they  could  come  into  full  and  quiet 
possession  of  the  land,  so  has  the  church  a great 
work  to  accomplish,  in  subduing  the  world  “to  the 
obedience  of  Christ.”  In  this  spiritual  and  most 


6 


interesting  sense,  there  remaineth  yet  very  much  land 
to  be  possessed.  The  plan  of  my  discourse,  therefore, 
will  naturally  embrace  the  following  topics:  viz. 

That  immense  regions  of /the  earth,  which  belong 
to  the  church,  are  still  unsubdued. 

That  the  ultimate  conquest  and  possession  of  all 
these  is  certain. 

That,  although  the  excellency  of  the  power  is^of 
God,  this  great  work  is  to  be  accomplished  by  hu- 
man instrumentality. 

* That  but  for  the  lamentable  and  criminal  apathy 
» of  the  church,  it  might  have  been  accomplished 
acres  aoo. 

O o 

That  as  Christendom  now  possesses  ample  re- 
sources and  ability,  she  is  solemnly  bound  in  the 
name  of  God,  and  with  the  least  possible  delay  to 
set  up  her  banners  in  every  heathen  land.  And, 

That  the  aspects  of  Divine  Pjovidence  are  pecu- 
liarly auspicious  to  the  missionary  enterprizes  of 
the  dayr. 

I.  Immense  regions  of  the  earth,  which  belong  to 
the  church,  are  still  unsubdued.  In  advancing  this 
claim  of  the  church,  to  the  rightful  possession  of 
the  whole  world,  we  must  not  forget,  explicitly  to 
recognize  the  paramount  and  supreme  authority  of 
Christ,  her  King.  In  the  highest  and  most  perfect 
sense  the  world  belongs  to  Christ.  All  things  were 
made  by  him  and  for  him  and  by  him  all  things  con- 
sist. The  covenant  of  redemption,  also,  secures  to 
him,  as  Mediator,  the  ultimate  possession  of  all  the 
kingdoms  of  men.  The  glowing  language  of  the 
promise  is,  “I  have  set  my  King  upon  my  holy  hill 
of  Zion.  I will  declare  the  decree.  Ask  of  me, 


7 


and  I shall  give  thee  the  heathen  for  thine  inherit- 
ance, and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  thy 
possession.”  Christ  is  “made  head  over  all  things 
to  the  Church.”  She  can  possess  nothing  but  what 
she  holds  under  him  and  for  his  glory.  Wherever 
she  raises  her  standard,  it  is  in  his  name.  When- 
ever she  is  victorious,  it  is  through  his  might;  and 
all  her  acquisitions  are  subject  to  his  absolute 
authority. 

In  this  subordinate  sense  the  world  belongs  to  the 
Church.  It  is  in  effect  given  to  her  as  a possession, 
in  every  promise  and  prediction,  in  which  the 
universal  spread  of  the  Gospel  is  mentioned!  It  is 
hers  to. share  in  the  conquests,  as  well  as  to  fight 
under  the  banners  of  her  King. 

But  alas!  how  limited  hitherto,  have  been  the 
conquests  of  the  Gospel!  How  large  a part  of  the 
land  of  promise  remains  yet  to  be  possessed!  - How 
vast  and  powerful  and  populous  are  the  empires  of 
Pagan  darkness  and  Mahometan  delusion!  How 
much  ground  has  the  church  even  lost , both  in  Asia 
and  Africa,  since  the  days  of  the  Apostles  and  their 
more  immediate  successors!  And  to  speak  of  later 
times,  how  slowly  since  the  Reformation,  have  the 
boundaries  of  the  Redeemer’s  Kingdom  been  ex- 
tended! How  few  and  scanty,  in  comparison  with 
what  remains  to  be  possessed,  are  the  acquisitions 
which  have  recently  been  made!  How  few  even 
now,  are  the  instruments,  and  how  inconsiderable 
are  the  means  employed  in  the  missionary  service! 

If  in  looking  over  the  map  of  the  globe,  we  begin 
with  the  eastern  hemisphere,  we  shall  find  that 
nearly  the  whole  of  Asia  remaineth  yet  to  be  pos- 


3 


sesscd.  Upon  China,  that  vast  world  of  souls,  no 
permanent  impression  has  ever  yet  been  made. 
Further  west  and  south,  very  extensive  and  populous 
regions  are  still  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Even 
in  Hindoostan,  a few  out-posts  only  have  been  gained, 
while  “the  strong  man  armed  keepetb  his  palace”  in 
the  heart  of  the  country,  surrounded  and  defended, 
by  Cast  and  Vedas  and  Shasters  and  Brahmins; 
those  dread  and  mighty  munitions  of  a lewd  and 
sanguinary  despotism.  The  spiritual  conquest  of 
Persia  is  scarcely  begun,  and  very  little  progress  has 
yet  been  made,  in  reducing  the  wandering  hordes  of 
Tartary  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  The  unnum- 
bered Islands  that  cluster  around  the  shores  of  the 
eastern  continent,  are  held  in  quiet  subjection  by  the 
god  of  this  world; — and  so,  with  barely  enough  of 
missionary  influence  to  constitute  a slight  exception, 
are  New  Holland,  New  Zealand,  and  the  Friendly 
Isles: — and  so  is  O why  nee,  lifting  its  hoary  head 
above  the  clouds  from  a fathomless  abyss  of  waters. 

The  great  continent  of  Africa,  also,  remaineth  yet 
to  be  possessed.  The  interior  has  not  to  this  day 
been  explored  by  civilized  man;  while  those  parts 
most  accessible  to  Europeans,  instead  of  receiving 
from  them  the  light  and  freedom  of  the  Gospel, 
have  for  ages  resounded  with  the  stripes  and  wail- 
ings of  a most  accursed  traffic  in  human  blood. 
Once,  indeed,  Abyssinia  and  the  region  round  about, 
were  blessed  with  Churches  and  Pastors,  walking 
together  in  faith  and  love;  but  it  is  long  since  the 
glory  departed.  The  true  light  has  ceased  to 
shine,  and  centuries  have  rolled  away  since  the 
prince  of  darkness  re-established  his  empire.  We 


I 


9 


must  not  indeed  forget  to  acknowledge,  with  thank- 
fulness, the  distinguished  zeal  and  perseverance  of 
the  Moravians  and  others,  both  in  the  south  and 
west  of  Africa.  They  have  done  more,  perhaps, 
than  could  have  been  expected  from  their  numbers 
and  the  wild  and  savage  character  of  the  inhabitants. 
But  after  all,  there  is  only  here  and  there  a glim- 
mering of  light  in  a dark  place.  What  comparison 
do  a few  thousand  natives  rescued  from  idolatry 
bear  to  hundreds  of  millions,  who  still  sit  in  pagan 
darkness.  The  ground,  which  it  has  cost  the  mis- 
sionaries so  many  years  and  so  much  toil  to  gain,  is 
scarcely  sufficient  to  afford  them  even  a precarious 
resting  place  for  the  soles  of  their  feet.  It  is  almost 
nothing,  compared  with  what  remaincth  yet  to  be 
possessed. 

A very  large  part  of  the  American  continent,  is 
in  nearly  the  same  deplorable  state  of  moral  degrad- 
ation. Even  within  our  own  limits,  the  savage  still 
lights  his  death  fires,  to  appease  the  wrath  of  an 
idol.  On  the  north,  there  is  an  immense  region  of 
palpable  darkness.  From  our  western  frontier  to 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  nothing  has  yet  been  done,  to 
enlighten  and  save  the  wandering  and  suffering 
nations  of  the  wilderness.  The  whole  of  South 
America,  also,  presents  a most  interesting  field  for 
protestant  missions,  which  is  yet  unoccupied.  Nor 
must  it  be  forgotten,  that  most  of  the  Mediterranean 
Isles,  together  with  trackless  deserts  of  ice  and  snow 
in  the  north  of  Europe,  and  other  considerable  por- 
tions of  the  globe,  which  have  not  been  particularly 
mentioned,  remain  yet  to  be  possessed. 


10 


But  let  not  the  Church  despair.  Let  not  mission- 
aries be  disheartened.  Let  Zion  trust  in  her  God, 
and  she  shall  never  be  ashamed.  For, 

II.  The  ultimate  conquest  and  possession  of  all 
the  heathen  lands  is  certain.  The  heathen  them- 
selves may  rage — Satan  may  come  down  with  great 
wrath,  and  in  his  convulsive  struggles  for  empire, 
may  yet  shake  the  foundations  of  the  earth;  but 
the  promise  cannot  fail.  In  spite  of  all  his  effort* 
to  prevent  it,  Zion  will  arise  and  shine,  her  light 
being  come,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  being  risen 
upon  her.  How  animating  to  the  Church  in  her 
darkest  hours  and  most  oppressive  despondency, 
must  be  the  encouragements,  vehich  are  poured  into 
her  ear  by  the  evangelical  Prophet.  “The  Lord 
shall  rise  upon  thee,  and  his  glory  shall  be  seen  upon 
thee.  And  the  Gentiles  shall  come  to  thy  light,  and 
kings  to  the  brightness  of  thy  rising.  Lift  up  thine 
eyes  round  about  and  see:  all  they  gather  themselves 
together,  they  come  to  thee:  thy  sons  shall  come 
from  far  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  nursed  at  thy 
side.  Then  thou  shalt  see  and  flow  together,  and 
thine  heart  shall  fear  and  be  enlarged,  because  the 
abundance  of  the  sea  shall  be  converted  unto  thee; 
the  forces  of  the  Gentiles  shall  come  unto  thee. — 
And  the  sons  of  strangers  shall  build  up  thy  walls, 
and  their  kings  shall  minister  unto  thee.  The  sons 
also  of  them  that  afflicted  thee  shall  come  bending 
unto  thee;  and  all  they  that  despised  thee,  shall  bow 
themselves  down  at  the  soles  of  thy  feet;  and  they 
shall  call  thee  the  city  of  the  Lord,  the  Zion  of  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel. — Thy  people  also  shall  be  all 
righteous:  they  shall  inherit  the  land  forever. — A 


11 


little  one  shall  become  a thousand  and  a small  one  a 
strong  nation:  I the  Lord  will  hasten  it  in  his 
time.”  Thus  shall  Zion  at  length  be  put  in  posses- 
sion of  the  whole  earth.  Thus  will  Jehovah  make 
her  an  ^eternal  excellency,  a joy  oi  many  gener- 
ations.” 

The  darkness  of  a hundred  ages  is  to  be  pierced 
and  scattered,  by  the  all  pervading  light  of  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness.  “The  strong  man  armed”  is  to  be 
ejected  as  a cruel  usurper.  Unnumbered  millions 
of  captives  are  to  be  set  free.  Jerusalem  and  the 
holy  city  are  to  be  rescued  from  the  hands  of  the 
infidels,  “not  by  might,  nor  power,  but  by  the  Spirit 
of  the  Lord.”  The  river  of  the  water  of  life  is  to 
flow  in  a thousand  new  channels,  bearing  upon  its 
unruffled  current,  the  blessings  and  the  triumphs  of 
the  Cross.  Those  who  are  scorched  in  equatorial 
deserts  will  “sit  down  under  the  shadow  of  Christ 
with  great  delight,”  while  all,  who  shiver  amid  the 
ice  of  the  poles,  will  be  warmed  into  spiritual  life. 
The  effeminate  Hindoo  and  the  degraded  African 
will  be  raised  to  the  dignity  of  men  and  of  Chris- 
tians. The  habitations  of  cruelty,  in  far  distant 
continents  and  islands,  will  be  enlightened  by  the 
Gospel  and  possessed  by  the  church.  The  wild  men 
of  the  American  forests  will  be  tamed,  and  all  the 
wilderness  will  become  the  heritage  of  Zion. 

III.  Although  the  excellency  of  the  power  is  of 
God,  this  great  work  is  to  be  accomplished  by 
human  instrumentality. 

It  might  be  effected  by  a miracle  in  a single  day. 
Or  angels  might  be  employed  instead  of  men.  As 
the  sun  shines  and  the  planets  roll  without  human 


12 


agency,  so  might  the  boundaries  of  the  Church  be 
extended,  “from  sea  to  sea  and  from  shore  to  shore.” 
But  not  so  is  the  will  of  her  Kino;.  As  well  might 
the  Israelites  have  waited  in  the  wilderness  for  the 
conquest  of  Canaan.  God  had  promised  to  drive 
out  the  nations;  but  he  thought  fit  to  employ  his 
people  to  effect  it,  instead  of  doing  it  by  his  own 
immediate  power.  They  had  actually  to  go  up  and 
take  possession.  They  ha\l  to  buckle  on  their 
armor  and  meet  the  enemy,  and  if  they  had  not 
done  so  the  land  would  never  have  been  subdued. 
Thus  it  is  that  the  church  must  inherit  the  gentiles. 
There  is  a great  work  to  be  done,  and  she  must  not 
look  for  miracles,  or  angels  to  accomplish  it. 

How  was  the  Gospel  first  propagated,  even  in  an 
age  of  miracles?  By  toil,  by  perseverance,  by 
encountering  a thousand  dangers: — by  assailing  the 
strong  holds  of  Jewish  infidelity  and  Pagan  idolatry. 
Had  the  Apostles  shut  themselves  up  in  Jerusalem, 
what  would  have  been  the  consequence?  In  vain 
would  they  have  waited  for  the  conversion  of  the 
heathen.  Their  commission  was,  “Go  and  teach  all 
nations;”  and  with  what  zeal  did  they  engage  in  the 
perilous  undertaking!  How  great  was  their  self- 
denial!  What  inhospitable  regions  did  they  visit: 
how  diligently  did  they  plant  and  water;  how  skil- 
fully did  they  wield  “the  weapons  of  their  warfare, 
and  how  mighty  were  they  through  God,  to  the 
pulling  down  of  strong  holds!”  It  was  thus  that 
the  spiritual  conquest  of  extensive  and  populous 
regions  was  achieved  by  the  first  missionaries;  and 
it  was  by  human  instrumentality,  in  a subsequent 
age,  that  the  immense  fabric  of  Paganism  was 


13 


demolished  in  the  greatest  empire  of  the  world, 
and  that  the  standard  of  the  cross  was  planted  on 
the  battlements  of  Home. 

In  like  manner,  when  at  a still  later  period,  the 
Man  of  sin  had  dispossessed  the  church  of  these 
acquisitions;  when  she  was  wandering  a persecuted 
and  bleeding  exile  in  the  mountains  of  Bohemia; — but 
when  she  was  nevertheless  to  regain  a part  of  what 
she  had  lost,  suitable  instruments  were  raised  up,  to 
fight  her  battles  with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit, and  like 
Joshua  to  lead  her  on  to  victory.  It  was  by  the 
power  of  God,  through  the  agency  of  such  valiant 
champions  of  the  truth,  as  Wickliffe  and  Zuinglius;  as 
Luther  and  Calvin;  as  Melancthon  and  Knox,  that 
the  reformation  was  effected. 

It  is  to  the  labors  of  a Swartz,  a Vanderkemp,  a 
Carey,  a Buchanan,  a Marsden  and  their  pious  asso- 
ciates in  the  missionary  field,  that  the  church  is 
indebted,  under  God,  for  those  little  verdant  and 
cultivated  spots,  which  have  been  reclaimed,  within 
the  last  fifty  years,  from  the  barrenness  of  as  many 
centuries.  In  the  same  manner,  by  the  use  of  means 
and  instruments,  is  the  whole  world  to  be  subdued 
and  rendered  fruitful.  The  missionaries  now  in 
service  must  be  supported  and  must  receive  strong 
reinforcements.  Every  foot  of  ground  that  has 
been  gained  must  be  kept.  Every  new  advantage 
must  be  zealously  followed  up.  The  Bible  must  be 
translated  into  all  languages,  and  the  means  of  send- 
ing it  to  every  human  habitation  must  be  provided. 
The  Gospel  must  be  carried  to  the  heathen,  before 
we  can  expect  them  to  embrace  it.  “How  shall 
they  call  on  him  in  whom  they  have  not  believed? 


14 


Ami  how  shall  they  believe  on  him  of  whom  they 
have  not  heard?  And  how  shall  they  hear  without 
a preacher?  And  how  shall  they  preach  except 
they  be  sent?”  Missionaries  then  must  be  sent.  The 
conversion  of  the  world  is  to  be  effected,  by  the 
blessing  of  God  upon  the  prayers  and  labors  of  the 
church:  and  this  leads  me  to  observe, 

IV.  That  but  for  her  lamentable  and  criminal 
apathy,  it  might  have  been  accomplished  ages  ago. 
The  world  ought  to  have  been  evangelized  at  a 
very  early  period  of  the  Christian  era,  and  who  can 
doubt  that  it  might  have  been,  had  the  church 
done  all  her  duty?  Think  of  the  zeal  and  success 
of  Paul,  and  the  despised  fishermen  of  Galilee. 
How  much  in  the  face  of  danger  and  death,  did 
they  accomplish  in  a few  years.  Had  the  work 
continued  to  advance,  as  it  did  under  their  preach- 
ing, the  triumphs  of  the  cross  would  have  been 
universal,  long  before  the  end  of  the  second  cen- 
tury.  And  what  arrested  its  progress?  Was 
the  arm  of  the  Lord  suddenly  shortened,  that  he 
could  no  longer  save?  No,  my  brethren,  the 
church  was  not  “straitened  in  Him  but  in  her  own 
bowels.”  There  was  nothing  in  the  world  harder^ 
to  overcome,  than  the  unbelief  of  the  Jews,  and 
the  proud  philosophy  of  the  Greeks.  The  same 
power,  which  converted  a persecuting  Saul  into  a 
zealous  missionary,  and  planted  a Christian  church 
in  the  heart  of  pagan  Rome,  could  with  infinite 
ease,  have  changed  the  moral  character  of  the 
whole  human  family.  Nothing  .was  wanting  but 
love  and  faith,  union  and  perseverance.  The  church 


had  only  to  go  forward,  with  a humble  and  confi- 
dent reliance  upon  divine  aid,  and  she  would  soon 
have  taken  full  possession. 

But  she  was  afraid  of  the  Anakims.  Their 
cities,  it  was  reported,  were  walled  up  to  heaven. 
Unbelief  arrested  her  march  and  palsied  her  arm, 
so  that  while  there  remained  yet  very  much  land  to 
be  possessed,  she  not  only  left  it  without  a struggle, 
in  the  hands  of  her  enemies,  but  permitted  them 
largely  to  encroach  upon  what  her  sons  of  a better 
age  had  gained.  To  pass  over  thirteen  whole  cen- 
turies of  strange  and  criminal  apathy,  what  can  be 
more  astonishing  than  Protestant  remissness,  since 
the  glorious  reformation?  Why,  till  wkhin  the 
last  five  and  twenty  years,  did  so  few  offer  them- 
selves as  missionaries?  Why  was  so  little  cast  into 
the  Lord’s  treasury  for  the  noblest  of  all  enter- 
prizes?  Why  did  only  here  and  there  an  individual 
think  of  giving  the  Bible  to  the  heathen  in  their 
own  tongues?  It  was  known,  alas!  that  they  wor- 
shipped stones  and  wood  and  reptiles  and  devils. 
It  was  known  that  the  elements  of  their  religion 
were  lust  and  cruelty  and  blood.  It  was  known 
that  thousands  were  dying  every  hour  in  hopeless 
ignorance  of  Christ,  and  it  was  admitted  that 
Christians  ought  to  send  them  the  Gospel.  But  ah, 
how  little  Avas  done,  how  little  was  even  attempted. 
What  efforts  were  made  to  rescue  the  trembling 
victims  of  a diabolical  superstition  from  the  knife 
and  altar?  What  friendly  hand  was  stretched  out, 
to  snatch  the  distracted  widow  from  the  pile,  or  the 
weeping  babe  from  the  crocodiles?  O how  little 
was  done  for  Christ,  or  even  for  humanity:  years  and 


16 


ages  rolled  darkly  away.  The  whole  creation 
groaned  and  travailed  together  in  pain,  but  the 
church  slept.  She  could  not  indeed  help  starting 
at  times  when  she  dreamed  of  meeting  the  heathen 
before  the  judgment  seat: — but  still  she  slumbered 
over  the  miseries  and  crimes  and  perils  of  a world 
lying  in  wickedness.  And  even  now  she  is  not  more 
than  half  awake.  She  does  not  realize  how 
much  remains  to  be  done.  Her  faitli  is  weak. 
Her  zeal  too  often  languishes.  Her  present  exer- 
tions, though  considerable  compared  with  her  for- 
mer apathy,  are  still  inadequate.  She  lingers  on 
the  frontiers,  when  she  ought  to  be  raising  the  stan- 
dard of  her  King,  in  the  heart  of  every  unevangel- 
ized country  under  heaven.  How  overwhelming 
is  the  thought,  that  millions  for  whom  Christ  died 
are  perishing  every  year,  through  criminal  neglect. 

V.  As  Christendom  now  possesses  ample  resour- 
ces and  ability,  she  is  solemnly  bound  in  the  name 
of  God,  and  with  the  least  possible  delay,  to  set  up 
her  banners  in  every  heathen  land.  She  is  able;  she 
possesses  the  means  of  doing  it.  This  has  been 
too  often  demonstrated,  to  leave  any  shadow  of 
doubt  upon  the  benevolent  and  candid  mind.  If 
Great  Britain  alone  could  raise  four  hundred  mill- 
ions of  dollars,  in  a single  year,  to  carry  on  the  war 
against  her  great  continental  rival,  how  easily  might 
she  support  an  army  of  ten  thousand  missionaries. 
How  soon  might  she  furnish  half  mankind  with  the 
Bible.  Let  her  for  twenty  years  to  come,  do  but 
half  as  much  to  spread  the  glad  tidings  of  Salvation, 
as  for  twenty  years  past  she  has  done,  to  chase  all 
hostile  competition  from  “the  mountain  wave’’  and 


17 


“bear  her  thunders  round  the  world,”  and  how  soon, 
by  t lie  blessing  ol'  God,  would  the  earth  be  filled 
with  his  praise!  The  mere  cost  of  powder  and 
cannon  balls  for  one  battle,  would  comfortably  sup- 
port all  the  missionaries  now  in  service,  for  ten  years. 
But  not  to  carry  you  too  far  from  home,  nor  detain 
you  too  long  in  foreign  parts,  how  much  more  might 
be  done  by  our  American  Israel,  than  has  ever  yet 
been  attempted.  To  all  her  hundreds,  contributed 
for  religious  purposes,  she  might  add  thrice  as  many 
thousands.  For  one  Bible,  which  she  now  puts  into 
the  hands  of  the  destitute,  she  might  distribute  fifty. 
For  one  school  at  Bombay,  or  Ceylon,  she  might 
establish  and  maintain  a hundred.  For  one  mission- 
ary expedition,  like  that  which  is  now  preparing  for 
the  Sandwich  Islands,  she  might  fit  out  at  least  two 
from  every  considerable  port  in  the  United  States. 
She  is  able  to  bear  her  full  proportion  of  the  neces- 
sary expense  of  converting  the  world.  This  might 
easily  be  proved,  for  the  hundredth  time,  by  the 
plainest  and  most  unexceptionable  calculations.  But 
why  should  I trespass  upon  your  time  and  patience? 
Let  me  rather  refer  you  to  sermons  and  tracts  which 
are  already  before  the  public;  especially  to  the  ani- 
mated and  able  appeal  of  Messrs.  Hall  and  Newell 
to  the  American  Churches. 

The  question  of  ability,  then,  being  decided  in  the 
affirmative,  that  of  duty  next  presents  itself  for  our 
consideration.  Is  the  Church  bound,  with  the 
least  possible  delay,  to  give  the  Gospel  to  the  hea- 
then? This,  my  Brethren,  is  one  of  the  few  ques- 
tions which  will  not  bear  argument.  What  if  the 

preacher  should  undertake  to  prove,  that  everv 
3 


18 


express  command  of  the  Savior  is  obligatory? 
Would  not  the  time  and  labor  be  worse  than  lost? 
What  if  he  should  gravely  attempt  to  demonstrate, 
that  two  and  two  make  four?  Would  you  hear  him? 
What  if  thousands  of  your  fellow  men  were  now 
famishing  in  the  streets,  would  your  humanity  suffer 
me  to  argue  for  one  moment,  upon  the  duty  of 
relieving  them?  Or  what  if  some  frightful  plague 
were  now  ravaging  three  quarters  of  the  globe,  and 
the  people  of  this  country  were  in  possession  of  the 
only  cheap  and  infallible  remedy,  who  that  should 
attempt  coolly  to  reason  upon  the  duty  of  send- 
ing out  as  many  ships  as  might  be  necessary  to 
convey  relief  to  the  dying  millions,  would  not  be 
interrupted  by  a hundred  voices  at  once,  exclaiming, 
“This  is  no  time  for  proving  what  is  self-evident. 
Under  different  circumstances,  it  might  be  amusing 
enough  to  hear  your  arguments;  but  in  the  present 
case  we  cannot  be  hindered  a moment,  as  every  hour 
of  delay  may  cost  thousands  of  precious  lives.” 

Thus  it  is,  dear  Brethren,  in  the  case  before  us. 
The  command  of  Christ  is,  Go  ye  into  all  the  world 
and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature.  The  most 
terrible  and  fatal  of  all  plagues  is  ravaging  all  the 
heathen  lands.  There  is  no  remedy  but  the  Gospel. 
This  remedy,  God  has  sent  to  us,  and  shall  we,  or 
shall  we  not,  manifest  our  gratitude  and  benevolence, 
by  sending  it  to  the  perishing?  My  appeal  is  not  so 
much  to  the  understanding  as  to  the  conscience: 
and  even  this  must  be  brief.  I must  not  retard 
your  preparations  by  much  speaking: — for  while  you 
sit  here,  the  cold  hand  of  death  is  upon  many 
for  whom  1 plead.  O how  they  cling  to  life,  and 


19 


shudder  as  he  tears  them  away?  IIow  they  shrink 
back  from  the  darkness  of  the  grave,  from  the  tre- 
mendous uncertainty  of  a hereafter!  The  duty  of 
the  Church  is  written  in  sun-beams.  Let  her  read 
and  obey. 

VI.  The  aspects  of  Divine  Providence  arc 
peculiarly  auspicious  to  the  missionary  enterprizes  of 
the  day.  The  church  has  every  encouragement  to 
go  forward.  The  mount  on  which  she  stands,  over- 
looks the  whole  land  of  promise.  She  lifts  up  her 
eyes  “northward  and  southward  and  eastward  and 
westward,”  and  as  she  gazes  upon  the  affecting  scene, 
wonders  how  she  could  have  slumbered  so  lon<r. 
Where,  she  cries,  have  been  my  faith  and  my  zeal 
and  the  sounding  of  my  bowels?  And  before  she 
has  time  to  ask,  Whom  shall  we  send  and  who  will 
go  for  us,  the  scene  is  changed  and  she  exclaims,  with 
astonishment,  “Who  arc  these  that  fly  as  a cloud  and 
as  doves  to  their  windows?  Surely  the  Isles  shall 
wait  for  me,  and  the  ships  of  Tarshish,  first  to  bring 
thy  sons  from  far,  their  silver  and  their  gold  with 
them,  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  to 
the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  because  he  hath  glorified 
thee.”  A mighty  impulse  from  above  seems  to  be 
putting  the  whole  Christian  world  in  motion.  Multi- 
tudes from  whom  we  had  not  expected  aid  in  this 
great  work,  are  “coming  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord, 
against  the  mighty,”  and  resolving  with  one  voice, 
“For  Zion’s  sake  we  will  not  hold  our  peace,  and  for 
Jerusalem’s  sake  we  will  not  rest,  till  the  righteous- 
ness thereof  go  forth  as  brightness,  and  the  salvation 
thereof  as  a lamp  that  burneth.” 


I 


20 


The  mists  of  ignorance  and  prejudice,  which  so 
long  hung  over  missionary  operations  and  designs, 
have  been  mostly  dissipated  by  the  light  of  truth. 
Verily  “the  night  is  far  spent,  the  day  is  at  hand.” 
If  we  are  not  greatly  deceived,  it  even  now  shines 
upon  the  tops  of  the  mountains.  The  morning  star 
looks  down  with  a smiling  aspect  upon  the  benighted 
nations,  or  rather,  a new  and  bright  constellation  of 
Missionary  and  Bible  Societies  seems  to  be  ushering 
a flood  of  light  and  glory  upon  the  dark  places  of 
the  earth. 

Charity,  robed  in  light  and  peace,  has  descended 
from  her  native  skies,  and  is  flying  from  land  to  land, 
upon  the  “wings  of  the  morning.”  How  noble,  how 
godlike  are  her  yearnings  and  designs!  Her  benev- 
olence has  no  bounds.  She  is  now  teaching  the 
poor  Hindoo  in  his  cabin,  and  confounding  the  Bramin 
in  his  temple.  She  is  found  by  the  admiring  trav- 
eller at  Serampore,  at  Bombay,  at  Ceylon,  and  at 
all  the  missionary  stations  in  Asia; — at  Bethels- 
dorp  and  Leicester  mountain;  at  Brainerd,  and 
all  similar  establishments  both  in  Africa  and  America. 
No  region  is  so  sultry,  no  atmosphere  is  so  charged 
with  contagion,  as  to  shake  her  steadfast  purpose  of 
doing  good  at  every  hazard.  No  climate  is  so  rig- 
orous as  to  cool  her  ardor — no  human  abode  so 
remote,  or  obscure,  as  to  escape  her  benevolent 
regards.  She  crosses  wide  oceans,  traverses  great 
continents  and  visits  distant  islands.  It  is  now  more 
than  twenty  years  since  she  took  her  flight  to  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  and  having  at  length  persuaded  the 
Society  isles  to  “cast  their  idols  to  the  moles  and  the 
bats,”  she  has  recently  gone  over  to  Owhyhec,  and 


21 


is  there  anxiously  expecting  the  ship,  which  is  des- 
tined tor  that  important  missionary  station. 

Such  are  some  of  the  animating  signs  of  the  times 
in  which  we  live,  with  respect  to  the  general  cause 
of  missions.  But  the  occasion  seems  to  demand  a 
separate  thank-offering,  in  behalf  of  the  Sandwich 
Islands.  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  give  jou  a full 
geographical,  or  statistical  account  of  that  interesting 
group,  even  if  my  limits  would  permit;  nor  w ill  a par- 
ticular history  of  the  events,  which  have  resulted  in 
what  we  this  day  behold,  be  expected  from  me,  after 
what  has  been  recently  presented  to  the  public,  in 
that  little  volume,  winch  has  given  birth  to  so  many 
prayers,  and  brought  in  such  large  contributions  to 
the  missionary  fund.  But  I cannot  do  less  than  advert 
to  some  of  the  prominent  indications,  that  the  time, 
even  the  set  time  to  favor  the  Sandwich  Islands 
is  come.  Whence  originated  the  design  of  send- 
ing them  the  Gospel?  \\  hy  are  we  assembled  here 
to-day?  “It  is  the  Lord’s  doing,  and  marvellous  in  our 
eyes.”  To  him  it  belongs  to  bring  good  out  of  ev  il  and 
light  out  of  darkness.  Who  could  have  anticipated, 
that  an  important  Christian  mission  wouid  ever  spring 
from  a savage  massacre  in  a far  distant  isle?  Yet,  but 
for  that  heart-rending  tragedy,  Obookiah  might  never 
have  been  heard  of  by  the  American  Church;  might 
now  have  been  a pagan  priest,  bowing  before  an  idol, 
instead  of  a “king  and  a priest  unto  God,”  in  his  heav- 
enly temple.  And  thus,  nothing  might  yet  have  excit- 
ed your  particular  attention,  to  the  spiritual  wants  of 
that  interesting  branch  of  the  human  family,  to  which 
he  belonged.  You  might  have  had  no  Foreign  Mis- 
sion School,  and  might  never  have  witnessed  such 


22 


a spectacle,  as  now  gladdens  your  hearts  and  bright- 
ens your  countenances  with  hope  and  admiration.  I 
know  not  where  the  hand  of  God  has  been  more  dis- 
tinctly visible,  even  in  this  age  of  wonders,  than  in  the 
events  connected  with  the  present  enterprize.  Un- 
belief itself,  one  would  think,  must  at  least  be  con- 
founded at  the  recital.  A poor  heathen,  orphan  boy, 
weary  of  life  in  his  own  native  isle,  resolves  to  leave 
it  for  some  distant  country,  where  he  may,  if  possible, 
forget  the  bloody  scene  that  broke  his  heart  and 
made  him  utterly  desolate.  He  flies,  but  he  knows 
not  whither.  He  is  brought  to  a strange  land.  Num- 
bers before  him  had  come  and  gone,  and  no  “one 
cared  for  their  souls.”  W hy  does  not  he  also  return 
and  die  a heathen.  Led  by  an  unseen  hand,  Oboo- 
kiah  seeks  for  instruction.  At  first  he  seeks  in  vain, 
because  all  the  treasures  of  knowledge  are  locked  up 
in  a language  which  he  does  not  understand.  But  at 
* length,  the  orphan’s  tears  excite  both  curiosity  and 
compassion.  Christian  charity  takes  him  by  the 
hand,  and  assures  him  that  he  shall  not  want  a 
friend.  It  is  soon  found  that  he  has  an  ardent  thirst 
for  knowledge.  The  wonders  of  redeeming  love  are 
unfolded  to  his  view.  He  listens  with  astonishment, 
is  awakened,  convicted,  hopefully  converted.  Chris- 
tians become  more  and  more  interested  in  his  story. 
His  companion,  who  came  with  him  in  the  same  ship 
from  Owhyhee,  is  found  and  shares  with  him  in  the 
benevolent  regards  of  the  church.  It  is  soon  ascer- 
tained, that  other  natives  of  the  Sandwich  Islands  are 
in  this  country.  They  are  gradually  collected.  The 
establishment  of  a heathen  missionary  school  is  con- 
templated. But  where  and  how  are  questions  not 


easily  solved.  Providence  however  removes  every 
difficulty.  The  Board  of  Commissioners  lor  Foreign 
Missions  extends  its  fostering  hand.  The  friends  of 
the  school  are  animated  and  “in  the  name  of  their 
God”  proceed  to  “set  up  their  banners.”  All  eyes  are 
turned  upon  Obookiah,  as  eminently  qualified  to  carry 
back  the  news  of  a Savior  to  his  benighted  coun- 
trymen. But  God  lias  better  things  in  store  for  him, 
and  we  trust  for  them,  fie  is  not  permitted  to  re- 
turn. He  however  speaks  from  the  grave  to  the 
American  church  in  just  such  a voice  as  was  needed 
to  rouse  her  energies.  A mission  is  soon  projected 
on  a more  extensive  plan  than  had  before  been  con- 
templated. Neither  means  nor  instruments  are 
wanting.  When  the  question  is  asked,  “Whom  shall 
we  send,”  the  answer  that  had  been  waiting  for  utter- 
ance upon  many  a tongue  is,  Here  are  we,  send  us. 
Numbers  are  ready  to  go. 

We  arc  met  this  day  to  witness  a renewal  of  their 
solemn  engagements;  to  see  some  of  them  consecrat- 
ed to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  in  the  islands,  and  to 
“bid  them  God  speed”  in  their  great  undertaking. 
In  the  mean  time,  the  hearts  of  thousands  who 
cannot  be  bodily  present  are  with  us,  while  their 
prayers  are  ascending  to  heaven,  and  their  hands  are 
diligently  employed  in  behalf  of  the  mission.  Such 
is  the  ardor  of  Christian  feeling  on  this  subject,  that 
could  the  offerings  of  the  church  all  be  conveyed  to 
the  ship,  I am  persuaded  there  would  “not  be  room 
enough  to  receive  them.” 

Add  to  all  this  the  friendly  character  of  the 
Sandwich  islanders;  the  progress  which  they  have 
begun  to  make  in  civilization;  their  ardent  desire  for 


further  instruction;  their  high  regard  for  European 
settlers;  the  mildness  of  their  climate,  the  fertility 
of  their  soil  and  other  favorable  circumstances; — 
and  can  it  be  questioned,  that  the  aspects  of  Provi- 
dence towards  the  present  mission  are  peculiarly 
auspicious?  The  Sandwich  Islands  are  a part  of  that 
goodly  heritage,  which  the  church  ought  long  since 
to  have  claimed  in  the  name  of  her  King;  and  while 
she  lingered,  some  of  the  benighted  islanders  them- 
selves, as  if  impatient  of  her  delay,  come  over  to 
America,  and  earnestly  invite  her  to  take  immediate 
possession.  The  church  is  roused  from  her  slumbers 
by  this  singular  call  in  a strange  language;  prepar- 
ations for  the  enterprize  are  in  great  forwardness, 
and  as  the  cloudy  pillar  is  now  manifestly  rising  from 

the  tabernacle,  and  these  our  beloved  friends  are 

• x 

preparing  to  follow  where  it  leads,  methinks  I hear 
them  say,  “We  are  journeying  to  the  place,  of  which 
the  Lord  said,  I will  give  it  you:  come  thou  with  us 
and  we  will  do  thee  good,  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
good  concerning  Israel.” 

My  first  address,  in  view  of  this  subject,  will  be 
to  the  candidates  for  ordination. 

Mv  Dear  Brethren, 

You  have  often,  I doubt  not,  surveyed  with  aching 
hearts,  those  wide  and  populous  regions  of  the  prom- 
ised land,  which  remain  yet  to  be  possessed.  Y ou 
have  wondered,  perhaps,  how  they  could  have  been 
left  by  the  church,  for  so  many  centuries,  in  the 
hands  of  pagans  and  infidels.  You  have  felt  a desire 
to  be  employed  as  soldiers  of  the  cross,  in  the  holy 
war,  which  is  to  be  waged  against  the  powers  of 


darknes-i,  where  Christ  has  not  yet  been  named* 
In  obedience,  as  you  believe,  to  a divine  call,  you 
have  olfered  yourselves  for  the  missionary  service 
and  have  been  accepted  by  the  American  Board. 
Designated  by  them  to  the  Sandwich  Islands,  you  are 
now  to  be  consecrated  by  “prayer,  and  the  laying  on 
of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery.” 

We  had,  indeed,  expected,  that  another  would 
have  taken  the  lead  in  this  new  and  important  enter- 
prize.  It  was  in  his  heart  to  go;  and  his  Master 
accepted  the  desire,  without  subjecting  him  to  the 
hardships  of  the  service.  He  has  received  his 
discharge;  “he  rests  from  his  labors  and  his  works 
follow’  him.”  But  never,  till  “the  sea  shall  give  up 
the  dead  that  are  in  it,”  will  it  be  known,  how  much 
he  loved  and  prayed  for  the  heathen.  Our  hearts, 
desire  and  prayer  to  God  for  you^  dear  Brethren,  is, 
that  the  mantle  of  our  ascended  Samuel*  may  fall 
upon  you. 

Bright  is  the  sun  that  shines  upon  this  day.  Ani- 
mating are  the  prospects  of  your  mission.  Propitious, 
'as  we  would  fondly  hope,  are  the  gales,  which  are 
waiting  to  waft  you  to  the  field  of  your  future  labors. 
You  will  go  forth,  the  first  commissioned  heralds  of 
salvation,  to  those  isles  of  the  gentiles,  followed  by 
the  prayers  of  the  church,  and  carrying  with  you 
many  tokens  of  her  love  to  the  heathen.  I can  fancy 
that  I see  them,  hastening  down  to  the  shore  to 
welcome  you  as  friends,  and  as  the  bearers  of  those 
“glad  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  unto  all 
people;”  that  I behold  them  gathered  around  you 
by  hundreds,  and  listening  with  silent  amazement, 


4 


* The  late  lamented  Rev.  S.  J.  Mrtis. 


26 


while  you  talk  to  them  of  the  babe  of  Bethlehem: — 
that  I see  them  casting  awciy  their  idols  and  exclaim- 
ing with  one  voice,  Your  God  shall  be  our  God,  your 
Savior  shall  be  our  Savior.  The  news  of  your 
arrival  spread  from  district  to  district  and  from 
island  to  island.  Wherever  you  go,  you  are  selected 
as  messengers  of  salvation  from  that  far  land,  where 
Obookiah  became  and  died  a Christian.  Your  hearts 
are  encouraged,  your  hands  are  strengthened,  while 
the  seals  of  your  ministry  multiply  around  you,  and 
accents  of  praise  to  the  Redeemer,  are  heard,  in 
the  school  and  in  the  church;  in  the  poor  man’s  cabin; 
in  the  hall  of  the  Chief,  and  in  the  palace  of  the 
King. 

But  ah!  my  dear  brethren,  this  after  all  may,  per- 
haps, be  no  more  than  a bright  and  lovely  vision.  It  is 
not  every  morning  without  clouds,  that  gives  us  a fair 
day.  Nothing  like  certainty  can  be  written  upon 
human  hopes  and  prospects.  All  that  now  appears 
so  promising  may  be  turned  into  bitter  disappoint- 
ments. Satan  is  not  yet  bound,  and  he  will  not  yield 
the  empire  of  the  Sandwich  islands  without  a strug- 
gle. He  will  instigate  his  emmissaries  to  oppose  all 
your  benevolent  plans  and  efforts; — and  how  far  he 
may  be  permitted  to  prevail  for  a season,  we  know 
not.  The  Owhyheans  may  meet^you  with  dark  and 
lowering  suspicion,  and  turn  away  from  your  instruc- 
tions with  contempt.  After  years  of  labor  and  peril 
and  sufferings,  you  may  find  yourselves  constrained  to 
exclaim,  “Who  hath  believed  our  report,  and  to 
whom  hath  the  arm  of  the  Lord  been  revealed?  ’ 

You  will  find  much  occasion  for  watchfulness  and 
prayer  in  the  beginning  of  this  enter  prize,  lest  the 


27 


very  smiles  of  Providence  which  brighten  your  path, 
should  throw  you  off  your  guard,  >vcaken  your  sense 
of  dependence  upon  God,  and  thus  defeat  the  object 
of  your  mission.  Should  the  winds  and  the  waves 
all  be  propitious;  should  increasing  hope  animate 
every  countenance  as  you  approach  the  scene  of  your 
future  operations,  and  should  something  whisper, 
these  must  be  sure  indications  of  immediate  success 
and  of  a speedy  conquest; — think  of  the  Duff- — 
when  she  first  visited  the  Society  Islands.  Think 
of  the  cloud  which  soon  darkened  the  bright  pros- 
pects of  the  missionaries  there,  and  hung  for  so  many 
years  over  all  their  perilous  labors.  Think  of  the 
persecutions  which  they  endured;  of  the  ground 
stained  with  missionary  blood,  and  then  bring  home 
the  case  of  those  afflicted  brethren,  to  your  own 
little  company.  The  promise,  “j Lo  I am  with  you 
alway does  not  of  course  exempt  you  from  disap- 
pointments and  sufferings.  You  may  be  persecuted 
even  unto  death, — you  will  be  opposed  by  the  pow- 
ers of  darkness.  Prepare  yourselves  therefore,  for 
whatever  may  await  you.  “Endure  hardness  as 
good  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ.”  “Fight  the  good  fight 
of  faith,  lay  hold  on  eternal  life.”  Let  the  words  of 
your  divine  leade?  comfort  your  hearts  in  every 
conflict,  “He  that  overcometh,  shall  sit  down  with 
me  in  my  throne,  even  as  I have  overcome,  and  am 
set  down  with  my  Father  in  his  throne.” 

“Finally  my  Brethren,  be  strong  in  the  Lord  and 
in  the  power  of  his  might.  Put  on  the  whole  armor 
of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  stand  against  the 
wriles  of  the  devil.  For  wre  wTestle  not  against  flesh 
and  blood,  but  against  principalities,  against  powers, 


28 


against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this  world, 
against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places.  Where- 
fore, take  unto  you  the  whole  armor  of  God,  that 
ye  may  be  able  to  withstand  in  the  evil  day,  and 
having  done  all  to  stand.  Stand  therefore,  having 
your  loins  girt  about  with  truth,  and  having  on  the 
breastplate  of  righteousness:  and  your  feet  shod 
with  the  preparation  of  the  Gospel  of  peace;  above 
all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye  shall  be 
able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked.” 

I now  turn  for  a moment  to  those,  who  are  to  be 
associated  with  you  as  helpers  in  this  mission. 

My  Dear  Christian  Friends, 

You  also  have  enlisted  as  soldiers  in  this  important 
expedition.  You  have  set  your  faces  towards 
Owhyhee,  as  a part  of  the  promised  land  which 
remaineth  yet  to  be  possessed.,  I hope  you  have 
seriously  and  prayerfully  counted  the  cost.  The 
Captain  of  salvation  requires  volunteers  in  this 
service,  who  have  made  up  their  minds  to  “endure 
hardness,”  and  never  to  desert  his  standard  in  the  day 
of  action.  You  are  going  up  to  the  “help  of  the 
Lord  against  the  mighty;”  but,  blessed  be  his  name, 
it  is  not  with  carnal  weapons  that  you  are  to  fight;  it 
is  not  with  fire  and  sword  that  you  are  to  make  a 
descent  upon  the  Sandwich  Islands.  It  is  not  to 
enslave  the  free,  or  circumvent  the  ignorant,  or 
stimulate  rival  chiefs  to  acts  of  hostility — but  it  is  to 
“proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of 
the  prison  doors  to  them  that  are  bound.”  It  is  to 
persuade  them  to  “beat  their  swords  into  plough- 
shares, and  their  spears  into  pruning  hooks.  It  is  to 


20 


save  their  children  from  the  shark,  and  to  make 
them  acquainted  with  the  arts  and  improvements  of 
civilized  nations.  It  is  to  pour  in  upon  their  benighted 
minds  the  light  of  science  and  literature;  to  multiply 
among  them  the  sources  of  enjoyment  in  this  life, 
and  above  all,  to  prepare  them  for  endless  happiness 
in  the  world  to  come.  To  God  and  the  word  of  his 
grace  we  fervently  commend  you.  Be  ye  “faithful 
unto  death  and  he  will  give  you  a crown  of  life.” 

Some  of  you.  instead  of  leaving , are  now  to  return 
to  your  native  lands.  You  are  going  back  to  tell 
your  astonished  friends  and  countrymen,  about  the 
Lord  Jesus.  But  where  is  your  elder  brother?  Ah! 
his  head  lies  low,  he  sweetly  sleeps  in  yonder  valley. 
Obookiah  cannot  go  with  you  to  Owhyhcc.  He  will 
not,  however,  forget  you.  Perhaps,  if  you  should  prove 
steadfast  in  the  faith,  he  may  look  down  and  smile 
upon  you  from  heaven.  Possibly,  he  may  even  be 
permitted  to  visit  you,  though  unseen;  to  strengthen 
you  in  the  hour  of  temptation,  and  to  whisper  con- 
solation to  your  souls  in  seasons  of  despondency. 

From  a land  of  Bibles  and  Sabbaths,  and  churches, 
where  you  have  been  nurtured  and  instructed  by 
Christian  charity^,  where  you  have  enjoyed  the 
prayers  and  counsels  of  the  wise  and  good;  and 
wdiere  some  of  you  hope  that  you  have  been  made 
savingly  acquainted  with  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  you 
arc  going  back  to  that  land  of  idols  and  darkness, 
from  whence  you  came.  O,  my  beloved  young 
friends,  what  if  you  should  be  left  again  to  w’elcome 
that  darkness  and  return  to  the  worship  of  those 
idols!  How  many  pious  hopes  would  it  blast  for- 
ever! How  many  Christian  hearts  v7ould  it  break  in 


30 


America?  Above  all,  how  would  it  crucify  afresh 
the  Son  of  God,  who  died  to  save  your  souls! 

You  shudder  at  the  thought.  You,  I doubt  not, 
are  firmly  resolved  to  live  and  die  Christians.  But 
remember  the  Apostolical  admonition,  “Let  him 
that  thinketh  he  standeth,  take  heed  lest  he  fall.” 
It  is  impossible  for  you  to  know  what  will  be  your 
feelings,  when  you  come  to  behold  again  your  kindred 
and  your  country;  or  to  foresee,  what  earnest  persua- 
sions, or  terrible  persecutions  may  be  employed  to 
shake  your  resolutions.  You  will  need  special  grace 
to  keep  you  from  falling,  to  endow  you  with  pru- 
dence, to  inspire  you  with  holy  courage,  and  to  make 
you  instruments  of  saving  good  to  your  people.  For 
that  grace,  then,  let  me  exhort  you  daily  and  hourly 
to  pray.  And  may  the  Lord  bless  you,  and  keep 
you,  and  bring  you  at  last  with  all  your  benighted 
countrymen  to  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

This  assembly  will,  I hope,  indulge  me  for  a mo- 
ment longer,  and  I shall  have  done.  “Blessed  are 
our  eyes  for  they  see,  and  our  ears  for  they  hear.” 
How  animating,  how  rich  in  hopes,  are  the  opening 
prospects  of  the  contemplated  mission.  This  is  a 
new  scene  in  Connecticut; — if,  indeed,  it  be  a real- 
ity, and  not  a heavenly  vision  of  future  times,  kindly 
vouchsafed  to  increase  the  faith  and  give  new  fer- 
vency to  the  prayers  of  the  Church.  It  is,  it  is  a 
blessed  reality.  Here  we  behold  a little  consecrated 
band,  ready  to  go  forth  in  the  name,  and  under  the 
banners  of  the  Savior,  to  claim  the  Sandwich  Islands, 
as  the  rightful  possession  of  the  Church.  A spec- 
tacle so  novel  and  so  interesting,  is  calculated,  for  the 
time,  to  occupy  the  whole  field  of  vision.  We  think 


31 


much  of  this  expedition,  and  certainly,  when  we 
take  into  view  all  the  circumstances  connected  with 
its  origin  and  progress,  we  may  well  inquire,  “what 
hath  God  wrought?”  But  mv  brethren,  what  are 
the  preparations  now  making,  in  comparison  with  the 
actual  wants  of  the  single  island  of  Owhyhce?  Arc 
we  not  in  great  danger,  while  we  are  doing  a little, 
and  crediting  ourselves  largely  for  it,  of  forgetting 
how  much  remains  to  be  done?  A vast  empire  is  to 
be  subdued  “to  the  obedience  of  Christ,”  by  his  bles- 
sing upon  the  efforts  of  the  Church.  Fired  with 
zeal  to  bear  a part  in  this  glorious  cnterprize,  we 
dispatch  a file  or  t\vo  of  volunteers,  to  occupy  a 
single  out-post,  in  a remote  corner  of  the  empire, 
and  then,  even  before  they  depart,  we  felicitate 
ourselves  and  congratulate  each  other,  as  if  the  cap- 
ital had  already  surrendered.  Our  hearts  arc  pained, 
perhaps,  when  we  think  of  the  “dark  places  of  the 
earth,  which  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty,” 
and  wc  say  they  must  be  enlightened.  We  enter  at 
first  with  ardor  into  the  good  work.  We  joyfully 
cast  our  gifts  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  in  hopes 
perhaps,  that  a few  such  offerings  will  suffice;  and 
when  it  is  found  that  giving  increases  the  urgency  of 
new  and  more  frequent  applications,  some  are  ready 
to  ask,  Are  these  importunities  to  be  always  sounding 
in  our  ears?  Are  we  never  to  be  released  from  this 
tribute  to  the  heathen?  No,  my  friends,  never,  unless 
you  will  abandon  them  to  their  fate  and  deprive 
yourselves  of  the  honor  of  being  instrumental  in 
their  conversion.  There  is  much  more  to  be  done, 
than  is  likely  to  be  accomplished  in  one  day.  We 
shall  have  at  last  to  leave  a great  work  for  our  cbil- 


32 


t 


dren,  if  not  also,  for  theiri  posterity.  Instead  of 
closing  our  hands,  or  relaxing  our  exertions,  when  we 
have  fitted  out  this  expedition,  we  shall  certainly  find 
occasion  to  redouble  our  diligence  in  behalf  of  the 
heathen.  If  the  world  is  ever  to  be  evangelized, 
the  efforts  of  Christian  benevolence  must  not  only  be 
every  where  continued,  but  greatly  increased.  The 
Christian  philanthropist,  who  looks  abroad  upon  the 
immense  field  which  is  yet  unoccupied,  rejoices,  not 
so  much  in  what  has  been  done,  or  is  now  doing,  as  in 
the  gladdening  promises  which  clustre  around  the 
millennial  glories  of  a coming  day.  Since  then 
so  much  remains  to  be  done,vlet  every  one,  in  his 
proper  station,  and  according  to  the  ability  which 
God  giveth, iabor  for  the  salvation  of  a perishing 
world.  Surely  if  we  who  “tarry  by  the  stuff,”  hope 
to  share  equally  with  our  brethren  who  “go  down  to 
the  battle,”  in  the  honors  and  rewards  of  victory, 
we  must  never  cease  to  help  them,  by  our  prayers 
and  our  contributions. 


THE  CHARGE, 

BY  THE  REV.  DAVID  L.  PERRY, 


PASTOR  Of  THE  CUCHCH  I3T  9HAI102*,  C02CW. 


Tuk  voice  of  providence  announces  the  accomplishment 
of  prophecy.  ‘‘Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  O ye  nations, 
and  declare  it  in  the  isles  afar  off. — The  Lord  will  be  ter- 
rible unto  [his  enemies]  for  he  will  famish  aJi  the  gods  of 
the  earth,  and  men  shall  worship  him,  every  one  in  his 
place,  even  all  the  isles  of  the  heathen.” 

The  period  has  arrived.  “The  isles  wait  for  his  law. 
Let  them  give  glory  unto  the  Lord,  and  declare  his  praise 
in  the  islands.” 

It  is  our  happiness  to  witness  the  fulfilment  of  thesa 
prophecies  commenced.  It  is  yours,  beloved  Brethren,  to 
become  the  hopeful  instruments  of  their  accomplishment. 
You  have  long  contemplated  the  condition  of  the  heathen, 
and  in  secret,  devoted  yourselves  to  their  cause.  You  have 
heard  the  call  of  Owhyhee  and  its  adjacent  islands,  “Come 
over  and  help  us.”  Their  cries  have  reached  your  hearts. 
The  voice  of  Providence  is  distinctly  heard,  “Get  ye 
down,  and  go  with  them,  nothing  doubting.” 

This  work  is  of  God,  and  we  dare  not  forbid  it.  We 
dare  not  withhold  our  children,  our  substance,  or  refuse  to 
separate  you  to  the  work  whereuuto  the  Lord  hath  called 
you. 

The  interesting  period  has  arrived.  You  have  now7,  dear 
Brethren,  at  the  request  of  those,  under  whose  immediate 
5 


34 


direction  you  are  to  regulate  your  future  labors,  been  sep- 
arated and  ordained  to  the  work  of  Evangelists  to  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the 
Presbytery,  and  with  prayer. 

We  do,  therefore,  in  the  name,  and  in  the  presence  of 
the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  who  shall  judge  the  quick 
and  the  dead,  at  his  appearing,  now  solemnly  charge  you 
with  the  faithful  execution  of  the  high  and  awful  commis- 
sion with  which  you  are  this  day  entrusted. 

The  particular  field  of  your  labors  is  pointed  out;  but  it 
is  yet  in  the  hand  of  the  enemy;  and  like  the  children  of 
Joseph,  you  must  drive  him  out  before  you  can  take  the 
possession. 

Of  the  company  of  pilgrims  w ho  attend  you, it  is  expected 
a church  will  be  organized.  You  will  carry  with  you  this 
little  Vine.  You  are  to  plant  it  in  a heathen  land.  Labor 
to  guard  it  against  the  blast  that  withereth,  the  worm  that 
consuincth,  and  the  foxes  that  spoil  the  vine,  if,  under 
God,  this  Church  should  be  committed  to  your  special 
charge,  you  will  take  the  oversight,  not  by  constraint,  but 
with  a ready  mind,  it  will  contain,  we  believe,  the  little 
leaven , which  will  leaven  the  whole  lump. 

Take  heed  unto  yourselves,  and  unto  the  Churches  over 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  may  place  you.  ‘‘Feed  the  flock  of 
God.  In  all  things  study  to  shew  yourselves  approved; 
workmen  that  need  not  to  be  ashamed,  in  doctrine  shew  ing 
uncorruptness,  gravity,  sincerity,  sound  speech  that  cannot 
be  condemned;  that  he  that  is  of  the  contrary  part  may 
be  ashamed,  having  no  evil  thing  to  say  of  you.” 

it  will  be  your  main  object  to  promote  the  instruction,  the 
conversion,  and  the  edification  of  the  Heathen,  in  this 
work,  while  you  repose  with  entire  dependence  on  God, 
for  success,  you  will  not  fail  to  exert  every  faculty  of  your 
understanding,  and  every  benevolent  emotion  of  your 
heart.  Meditate  upon  the  duties  of  your  office  and  give 
yourselves  wholly  to  them,  that  your  profiting  may  appear 
unto  ail. 


35 


Devote  a suitable  portion  of  your  labors  to  the  instruc- 
tion of  the  young.  These,  in  every  country,  offer  the 
most  successful  field  for  exertion,  and  sustain  the  surest 
hopes  of  future  blessings. 

You  will  gather  and  organize  Churches,  if  God  in  his 
grace,  shall  be  pleased  to  prepare  materials  within  the 
sphere  of  your  labors.  Be  not  hasty  in  forming  your 
opinion  of  the  spiritual  attainments  of  the  heathen;  and 
do  not  suddenly  receive  them  to  the  communion  of  the 
Church.  One  apostate  may  do  more  injury  than  hundreds 
who  are  without.  Be  satisfied  as  to  their  doctrinal  and 
experimental  knowledge  of  the  Gospel  before  you  commit 
to  them  the  means  of  wounding  tiie  cause. 

Administer  baptism  to  the  proper  subjects,  and  admit  to 
the  Lord’s  Supper  oidy  such  as  give  evidence  of  faith  in 
Christ. 

If,  in  the  providence  of  God,  you  are  called  to  commit 
this  ministry  to  others,  “the  same  commit  thou  to  faithful 
men.”  We  charge  you  to  “lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man, 
neither  be  partakers  of  other  men’s  sins.”  In  planting 
the  standard  of  the  cross  in  heathen  lands,  you  w ill  seek 
to  enlist  such,  and  only  such,  as  are  qualified  by  the  spirit 
of  God  to  defend  it. 

It  is  now  too  late  brethren,  to  be  allured  by  the  fairy 
dreams  which  deceived  the  first  essays  to  christianize  the 
Islands  of  Polynesia.  You  know  that  temptations  and 
trials  of  no  ordinary  magnitude  await  you.  The  Mis- 
sionary, as  well  as  the  Christian,  must  be  fitted  for  his 
work  by  passing  through  the  furnace.  If  the  great  Head 
of  the  Church  intends  to  own  your  labors,  lie  will  try 
your  faith.  It  is  worthy  of  fearful  remembrance  that  in 
all  the  great  missionary  undertakings,  the  outset  has  been 
attended  with  some  such  trials.  While,  therefore,  you  sow 
the  seed  with  tears,  and  labors,  and  watchings,  be  not  dis- 
couraged, though  you  wait  long  for  the  harvest.  Should 
no  good  fruit  immediately  appear,  you  will  remember  the 
mission  to  (Jtaheite,  and  the  long  deferred,  though  glorious 
success.  “Let  patience  have  her  perfect  work.”  Prepare 


36 


your  minds  to  meet  the  ignorance,  the  stupidity,  and  the 
opposition,  as  well  as  the  superstition  and  vice  of  those  to 
whom  you  are  sent. 

You  are  soon,  in  the  name  of  God,  to  set  up  the  banners 
of  the  Cross  upon  the  fortress  of  the  enemy,  and  proclaim 
Jesus  Christ  to  those  whose  native  depravity,  is  fortified 
by  the  most  obstinate  prejudice,  and  seared  by  the  most 
stu|od  and  senseless  idolatry.  The  adversary  will  not  give 
up  nis  strong  hold  without  a desperate  resistance. 

Hut  rememoer  your  weapons  are  not  carnal,  but  mighty 
through  God.  Let  your  preaching  be,  not  in  the  wisdom 
of  men,  but  in  demonstration  of  tbe  Spirit  and  with  power. 
Intermeddle  not  with  any  tiling  foreign  to  tbe  interests  of 
Zion,  which  will  prejudice  the  truth.  Be  wise  as  serpents 
and  harmless  as  doves. 

Cultivate  an  habitual  and  ardent  desire  for  the  salvation 
of  the  heathen.  Let  the  world  be  crucified  to  you,  and 
you  to  the  world.  Let  no  ambitious  design,  no  desire  of 
worldly  distinction  from  the  missionary  office,  be  found 
among  the  motives  of  your  heart.  And  count  not  even 
your  own  life  dear,  if  so  be  that  you  may  testify  the  Gospel 
of  the  grace  of  God. 

Keep  your  hearts  with  diligence  and  maintain  the  power 
of  religion  by  your  daily  walk.  He,  who  would  guide 
others,  must  himself  be  acquainted  with  the  way.  He,  who 
would  administer  tiie  consolations  of  the  Gospel,  must 
himself  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious. 

But  time  would  fail  to  recount  all  the  duties  and  the  doc- 
trines, which  it  is  incumbent  on  you  to  do  and  teach.  This 
holy  Book  contains  your  commission.  This  have  wc  receiv- 
ed of  the  Lord,  and  this  do  wre  commit  unto  you.  Hind 
it  upon  your  heart.  Let  it  he  your  director  and  your  com- 
fort— a lamp  unto  your  feet  and  a light  unto  your  path. 

To  a people  of 'a  strange  language,  you  w ill  he  called, 
for  many  years,  to  preach  even  more  by  your  benevolence, 
meekness,  fortitude,  patience,  and  holy  deportment,  than 
by  your  precepts.  These  speak  a language  which  every 
rational  being  can  understand.  Even  heathen  will  judge 


37 


men  by  their  fruits.  ‘‘AH  your  external  conduct  w ill  be 
regarded  by  them  as  parts  of  your  religion.”  They  will  be 
influenced  by  your  instructions  no  farther  than  they  per- 
ceive them  to  influence  yourselves. 

Remember, dear  brethren,  the  sad  downfall  of  Lewis,  of 
Rroomhall  and  of  Vcasou.  “Let  him  that  thinketh  he 
standeth  take  heed  lest  he  fall.” 

The  ordinary  aids  and  consolations  of  ministers  in  Gos- 
pel lands  will  be  denied  to  you.  The  advice  and  Christian 
faithfulness  of  your  brethren  you  cannot  enjoy.  You 
must  therefore  draw  your  support  immediately  from  the 
infinite  fountain,  and  be  eminently  men  of  prayer.  In 
that  moral  wilderness  you  must  gather  your  manna  daily 
or  perish. 

Rut  let  none  of  these  things  move  you.  ‘‘They  that  be 
with  you  arc  more  than  they  that  be  with  them.”  The 
consolations  and  encouragements  prepared  for  you,  if  you 
continue  faithful,  arc  abundant,  rich,  and  cheering.  You 
do  not  go  out  under  untried  circumstances.  A cloud  of 
witnesses  have  already  explored  the  “dark  places  of  the 
earth  which  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty,”  and 
have  encountered  the  dangers.  You  will  avail  yourselves 
of  their  experience. 

You  may  be  assured  of  an  interest  in  the  prayers  of 
many.  Rut  above  all  stay  your  trembling  hearts  upon 
covenanted  faithfulness,  and  live  upon  the  promises  of  God. 
You  have  put  your  hand  to  the  plough;  you  cannot  look 
back.  You  have  forsaken  parents  and  friends,  and  the 
elegances  of  civilized  life,  to  labor  and  wear  out  in  far 
distant  and  benighted  lands. 

We  have  now  consecrated  you  to  God  and  to  the  heathen. 
You  are,  henceforth,  dead  to  the  world,  dead  to  the  refine- 
ments of  civilized  society,  and  the  endearments  of  social  tics 
in  the  bosom  of  your  native  land.  Our  eyes  are  shortly 
to  behold  you  no  more!  But  our  prayers  and  our  hearts 
go  with  you.  Be  faithful  unto  death  and  may  the  blessing 
of  many  ready  to  perish  he  your  reward,  and  the  crown  of 
your  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Amen. 


RIGHT  HAND  OF  FELLOWSHIP, 

BY  THE  REV.  NOAH  PORTER, 


PASTOR  OF  TH*  CHURCH  OF  CHBIST  IN  FARMINGTON,  CON. 


Among  the  early  transactions  of  the  Church,  that  was 
not  the  least  interesting,  in  which  “James,  Cephas  and 
John,  perceiving  the  grace  which  had  been  given  to  Paul, 
gave  to  him  and  Barnabas,  the  right  hands  of  fellowship, 
that  they  should  go  unto  the  heathen,  while  themselves  re- 
mained as  Apostles  of  the  circumcision.”  This,  no  doubt, 
was  intended  as  an  expression  of  their  mingled  confidence 
and  affection;  as  a token  that  though  they  were  to  he 
locally  separated,  they  would  still  be  spiritually  united, 
and  as  a pledge  that  they  would  sacredly  preserve  their 
union,  by  a common  devotion  of  themselves  to  the.  ser- 
vice of  the  Redeemer,  by  a mutual  remembrance  of  each 
other  in  their  prayers,  and  by  such  reciprocations  of  aid, 
as  the  wants  of  the  one  might  require,  and  the  ability  of 
the  other  would  afford. 

Such  fellowship  exists  betweeu  all  the  people  of  God. 
Though  separated  from  each  other  by  the  space  of  half  the 
world’s  circumference,  they  all  have  access,  by  the  “One 
Spirit,  through  the  One  Mediator,”  to  the  “One  God  and 
Father  of  all,  w ho  is  above  all,  and  through  all,  and  in  them 
all.”  Though  distinguished  by  different  languages,  colors, 
civil  jurisdictions  and  ecclesiastical  usages,  they  all  belong 
to  one  body,  are  animated  by  one  Spirit,  and  by  that  Spirit 
arc  devoted  to  one  glorious  cause;  the  cause  fur  which 


39 


the  material  Universe  was  made;  for  which  the  Son  of 
God  was  made  flesh  and  became  obedient  unto  the  death 
of  the  cross,  and  is  exalted  Lord  of  all;  for  which  the  Spirit 
of  holiness  is  promised  and  sent;  for  which  angels  are 
commissioned  as  ministering  spirits;  and  for  which  proph- 
ets, apostles,  and  all  the  holy  and  excellent  men  who  have 
ever  adorned  the  world,  have  prayed  and  toiled,  and 
suffered, — the  g/ori/  °f  redemption  of  the  Church. 

In  this  cause  they  all  with  one  heart  and  one  soul  are  em- 
ployed. In  this  fellowship  they  greatly  rejoice.  They 
find  their  highest  felicity  in  being  “workers  together  with 
God,”  and  give  united  thanks  to  his  name,  that  while  lie  is 
neither  worshipped  nor  served  by  men’s  hands  as  though  he 
needed  any  thing  of  them,  lie  is  pleased  to  prosecute  his 
designs  of  mercy  in  such  a manner  that  his  people  may 
co-operate  with  him  in  the  accomplishment  of  them. 

In  what  nation,  and  by  what  means  soever,  they  can 
promote  these  designs,  they  consider  it  their  privilege  to 
he  employed.  But  “to  preach  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ,”  and  more  especially  to  preach  them  among  the 
heathen,  the  chief  of  the  Apostles,  after  the  fullest  expe- 
rience of  the  privations,  toils,  and  sufferings  of  the  work, 
considered  an  expression  of  grace  to  him,  which  next  to 
that  of  his  conversion,  demanded  his  admiring  gratitude. 

And  now,  Beloved  Brethren,  perceiving,  as  we  think, 
this  grace  to  be  given  by  the  Lord  Jesus  to  you,  in  the 
name  of  the  ecclesiastical  council  before  which  we  stand, 
I give  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  that  you  should  go 
to  the  heathen. 

Brother  Thurston,  receive  this  right  hand  as  a token  of 
our  fellowship  with  you  in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel. — 

Brother  Bingham,  I present  to  you  the  same  token  and 
pledge  of  mutual  affection  in  this  great  and  good  work. — 

In  contemplating  the  untried  sacrifices,  hardships,  and 
perils  of  your  mission,  your  hope  and  consolation  must  rest 
on  the  all-sufficient  grace  of  him  who  lias  said,  “Lo  lam  with 
you.'''  Yet  it  will  be  cheering  for  you  to  know,  that  your 
fellowship  with  the  multitude  of  your  Brethren,  whom  you 


40 


arc  about  to  leave,  will  not  cease.  When  the  shores  of 
your  beloved  country  shall  sink  for  the  last  time  beneath 
your  horizon,  it  will  be  consoling  to  consider  the  prayers  of 
the  many  thousands  of  our  Israel  as  ascending  to  that  God, 
who  commandeth  the  winds  and  the  seas  and  they  obey  him, 
for  your  protection  and  guidance  upon  the  bosom  of  the 
deep.  When  from  the  midst  of  heart  sickening  scenes  of 
idolatry,  revolving  Sabbaths  shall  turn  your  eager  thoughts 
to  the  multitude  of  your  brethren,  who  are  going  up  to  the 
house  of  the  living  God,  or  commemorating  together  the  love 
of  the  crucified  Savior,  it  will  be  a supporting  considera- 
tion, that  not  only  mention  is  made  of  you  in  our  prayers, 
but  the  God  and  Savior  whom  we  worship,  will  be  present 
with  you,  to  receive,  at  the  same  time,  your  praises  and 
supplications. 

13eloved  Brethren,  we  w ill  make  the  cause  to  which  you 
are  consecrated  our  own.  We  will  consider  ourselves 
pledged,  according  to  the  grace  given  to  us,  to  co-operate 
with  you  in  extending  the  Gospel  of  salvation  to  those  w ho 
dwell  in  the  islands  of  the  sea.  We  will  not  cease  to  make 
mention  of  you,  and  of  the  object  of  your  mission,  in  our 
prayers;  nor  will  vve  consider  aught  that  we  possess,  so  far 
as  it  shall  seem  to  us  to  be  required  for  this  object,  as  being 
our  own.  We  w ill  esteem  it  our  duty  and  privilege,  as  it 
is  yours,  “whether  we  live  to  live  unto  the  Lord,  or 
vvliether  w e die,  to  die  unto  the  Lord.”  And  may  the  Lord 
grant  unto  you  and  us,  that  when  the  labors  of  our  mortal 
course  shall  be  closed,  we  may  together  receive  from  him 
the  blessed  sentence  of  approbation:  ‘‘Well  done,  good 
and  faithful  servants,  enter  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord.” 


INSTRUCTIONS 


From  the  Prudential  Committee  of  the  American  Board  of 
Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  to  the  Rev.  Hiram 
Bingham  and  the  Rev.  Asa  Thurston, — Messrs. 
Daniel  Chamberlain,  Thomas  IIolman,  Samuel 
AVhitney,  Samuel  Ruggi.es  and  Elisha  Loomis, — 
John  IIonooke,  Thomas  Hofoo  and  Villiam 
Tennooe, — Members  of  the  Mission  to  the  Sandwich 
Islands. 


Dearly  Beloved  in  the  Lord, 

The  present  is  a moment  of  deep  interest  to  you,  and  to 
us  all.  You  are  now  on  tlie  point, — the  most  of  you  of 
leaving  your  country  and  your  kindred  and  your  fathers’ 
houses,  and  committing  yourselves,  under  Providence,  to  the 
winds  and  the  waves,  for  conveyance  to  far  distant  Islands 
of  the  sea,  there  to  spend  the  remainder  of  your  days; — 
and  the  rest, — of  bidding  a final  adieu  to  this  favoured 
laud  in  which  they  were  strangers,  but  in  which  they  have 
been  blessed  with  a new  and  celestial  birth,  and  returning 
to  those  same — their  native  Isles,  where  their  kindred 
dwell, — but  where  the  shadow  of  death  still  broods,  and 
where  they  know  not  what  unanticipated  and  untried 
scenes  await  them. 

It  is  for  no  private  end — for  no  earthly  object — that  you 
go.  It  is  wholly  for  the  good  of  others,  and  for  the  glory 
of  God  our  Saviour. 

6 


11 


In  those  Islands,  are  many  thousands  of  immortal  beings, 
for  whom  the  Redeemer  died;  but  who  know  him  not,  and 
are  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge.  It  is  his  gracious 
pleasure,  and  his  high  command,  that  his  Gospel  should  be 
preached  to  them;  that  they  may  be  turned  from  darkness 
unto  light,  be  baptised  in  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  taught  to  observe  all 
things  whatsoever  he  hath  commanded, — for  their  salva- 
tion, and  for  his  everlasting  honour  and  praise. 

To  this  high  and  holy  service,  you  are  solemnly  de- 
signated; to  this  arduous  and  momentous  work,  you  are 
henceforth  to  hold  yourselves  sacredly  devoted.  You  go 
to  the  Sandwich  Islands,  as  the  messengers  of  the 
churches,  and  the  gi,ory  of  Christ; — and  expressly 
and  solely  for  the  purpose  of  doing  what  you  can,  in  your 
respective  stations  and  spheres,  towards  bringing  your 
long  lost  fellow  beings  there,  into  a full  participation  of  the 
privileges  and  blessings,  which  the  Maker  and  Redeemer 
of  the  world,  in  the  plenitude  of  his  goodness,  has  provided 
for  all  who  receive,  and  obey  his  Gospel. 

It  is  with  reference  to  this  great  enterprize,  that  you 
are  now  to  receive  some  general  Instructions.  If  the  prin- 
ciples are  not  new  to  you,  they  are  at  least  such,  as  cannot 
be  too  often  reiterated,  or  too  strongly  enforced. 

The  points  of  especial  and  essential  importance  to  all 
Missionaries,  and  all  persons  engaged  in  the  missionary 
work,  are  four : — Devotedness  to  Christ, — Subordi- 
nation to  rightful  direction, — Unity  one  with 

ANOTHER, — AND  BENEVOLENCE  TOWARDS  THE  OBJECTS 
OF  THEIR  MISSION. 

1.  Devotedness  to  Christ.  This  indeed,  is  every 
where  the  vital  principle  of  the  Christian  character. 
To  the  Missionary,  an  eminent  degree  of  it  is  essential. 

If  the  Christian  is  devoted  to  Christ,  the  Christian  min- 
ister is  more  especially  devoted,  and  the  Christian  Mission- 
ary to  the  Heathen,  most  especially.  This  is  the  general 
apprehension  and  sentiment;  the  supposed  process  in  becom- 
ing a missionary;  the  profession,  the  condition,  the  visi- 


Ill 


bility  of  the  missionary  life.  This  holy  eminence  must  be 
maintained.  Level  it,  and  the  missionary  spirit  is  sup- 
pressed, and  every  mission  to  the  Heathen  is  dead.  What 
is  the  purport  of  your  presenting  yourselves  here — a spec- 
tacle to  God,  to  Angels,  and  to  men?  What  means  this  deep 
feeling;  this  extended  moving  and  melting  of  heart? — 
Let  the  den  otement  of  the  Missionary  come  to  be  regarded 
as  in  no  manner  or  degree  eminent,  or  especial. — and  all 
this  feeling  will  subside;  this  moving  and  melting  of  heart 
will  cease;  and  Christians  and  Christian  ministers,  finding 
enough  to  do  at  home,  will  forget  the  command  of  the 
ascending  Redeemer,  and  leave  the  poor  Heathen  to  perish. 

Let  it  then  be  repeated,  and  let  it  be  impressed  on  your 
minds  indelibly, — this  eminence  of  sacred  devotedness 
must  be  maintained. 

Hitherto,  though  Christians , you  have  been  like  other 
Christians,  labouring  for  yourselves,  or  your  families. 
Henceforth  you  are  to  labour  for  Christ,  and  all  the  fruits 
of  your  labours,  are  to  be  held  as  irrevocably  consecrated 
to  him,  for  the  purposes  of  his  mercy  towards  the  dwellers 
in  the  midst  of  the  seas. 

You  have  given  yourselves  to  him  for  this  service;  you 
have  made  your  vows,  and  you  cannot  go  back.  If  it  be 
not  so,  and  if  this  point  be  not  fixed  with  you,  immoveably, 
stop  where  you  are, — and  not  venture  to  set  foot  on 
that  board,  which  is  to  bear  this  holy  Mission,  to  the 
scene  of  its  labours,  and  trials,  and  eventual  triumphs. 

He  who  putteth  his  hand  to  the  plough  and  looketh  back, 
is  not  fit  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven:  least  of  all  is  he  fit 
for  an  office  in  this  kingdom  so  holy  as  that  of  the  Mis- 
sionary; for  a service  in  it  so  sacred  as  that  of  the  mis- 
sionary work. 

Sincerely  devoted,  however,  as  you  may  now  be,  you 
will  not  feel  as  though  you  had  already  attained,  or  were 
already  perfect;  but  remember,  that  you  are  still  in  the 
body,  encompassed  with  infirmities,  and  appointed  to 
temptations.  If  then  you  have  renounced  the  world;  be 
sure  that  in  this  renunciation,  there  be  no  reserve.  If  you 


IV 


have  crucified  the  flesh;  be  sure  that  you  make  the  cruci- 
fixion complete, — not  sparing  the  right  eye,  if  it  offend, — 
resolving  decisively  on  the  destruction  of  the  sin  that 
easily  besetteth  you.  In  the  scenes  of  your  mission,  there 
will  be  urgent  need  of  all  this. 

Whatever  of  earthly  privations,  or  labours,  or  sufferings, 
or  perils  await  you,  they  arc  comparatively  as  nothing. 
You  may  glory  in  them  all;  you  may  count  them  all  joy. 
Other  things,  Dearly  Beloved,  arc  before  you.  Your  mis- 
sion is  to  a land  of  darkness,  as  darkness  itself;  and  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  without  order,  and  where  the  light  is  as 
darkness. 

To  be  far  removed  from  these  loved  dwellings  of  Zion, 
where  the  glory  of  Jehovah  rests  with  healing  and  vivify- 
ing radiance, — from  these  temples  and  these  altars  of  the 
living  God, — from  the  thousand  salutary  influences,  re- 
straining, quickening,  and  cheering,  of  this  extended 
Christian  community;  to  have  your  residence  in  the  midst 
of  a strange  people,  who  know  not  Jehovah,  nor  his  ways; 
on  whose  dwellings  the  light  of  heaven  has  not  shosie;  to 
be  surrounded  with  idols,  and  morais  and  altars  of  abomi- 
nation,— and  exposed  to  the  impurities,  the  corruptions, 
the  nameless  and  numberless  baleful  influences  of  an  un- 
tutored nation,  walking  after  their  own  lusts,  and  fulfilling 
the  desires  of  the  flesh,  and  of  the  mind: — These  will  he 
matters  of  no  light  kind. — If  even  here,  amidst  abundant 
means,  the  divine  life  is  hardly  maintained,  how  will  it  be 
in  that  region  of  death?  What  will  you  do  there,  if  not  de- 
voted, heart  and  soul  and  body,  to  Christ?  And  what  will 
become  of  this  Mission,  and  all  the  hopes  of  the  church  sus- 
pended upon  it? 

We  say  not  these  things  to  distress  you,  and  from  no 
boding  distrust  respecting  you;  hut  that  you  may  have 
them  always  in  remembrance;  and  being  dead  forever  to 
the  world,  and  all  that  is  in  the  world  which  is  not  of  God, 
you  may  be  alive  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  have  life,  more  and 
more  abundantly  through  faith  in  him.  You  will  find  Him 


V 


in  0 why  lice, — as  you  have  found  him  in  this  land, — n 
Sun  and  Shield.  His  gracious  word,  Lo,  I am  with  you 
always, — was  sufficient  for  the  first  Missionaries  of  the 
Cross: — it  will  be  sufficient  for  you.  Sufficient  for  all  the 
purposes  of  safety,  of  support,  of  guidance,  of  consolation, 
of  strength,  of  courage,  of  success,  of  triumph,  of  glory. 
Abide  fixedly  on  this  word,  and  you  will  have  nothing  to 
want,  and  nothing  to  fear;  and  by  example,  as  well  as  hyr 
instruction,  will  teach  the  wanderers  of  the  Isles,  to  observe 
all  things  whatsoever  he  hath  commanded  you. 

2.  Subordination  to  rightful  dirkjction.  Tho 
kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jesus  is  a kingdom  of  order. 
Missions  for  the  advancement  of  this  kingdom,  arc  to  he 
maintained  by  a regular,  though  simple  and  free  polity. 
The  free-will  offerings  of  many  Churches,  and  many  thou- 
sands of  individuals  are  cast  into  one  Treasury,  and  com- 
mitted, for  application  to  the  intended  objects,  to  persons 
duly  appointed  to  the  high  trust.  Upon  these  sacred 
funds,  and  under  this  constituted  direction,  approved  per- 
sons, freely  offering  themselves  for  the  holy  service,  arc 
sent  forth  to  evangelize  the  Heathen.  The  compact, 
explicit  or  implied,  engages  to  them  affectionate  and  provi- 
dent patronage,  maintenance  ami  aid;  so  long  and  only  so 
long  as  they  conform  themselves  to  the  instructions  and 
regulations  of  the  service.  Contempt  or  disregard  of  the 
instructions  and  regulations,  would  tend  to  confusion,  and 
every  evil  work. — The  humble  and  devoted  Missionary, 
therefore,  will  consider  a due  observance  of  the  directions 
of  those  who  arc  instructed  with  the  weighty  concerns  of 
the  Mission,  as  a point  of  sacred  duty  on  w hich  much  is 
depending.  If  in  his  judgment  the  service  might  be 
benefitted  by  an  alteration  or  modification  of  any  part  of 
the  system,  or  any  special  order,  lie  may  reasonably  con- 
fide, that  bis  representations  made  in  a proper  manner, 
will  receive  kind  and  considerate  attention:  for  of  all  men 
in  public  trust,  the  managers  of  Missionary  concerns,  have 
evidently,  the  least  inducement  to  treat  those  who  act 
under  their  direction,  with  unkitulncss,  or  neglect,  and 


I 


VI 


the  strongest  motives  to  render  them  every  facility,  en- 
couragement and  aid  in  the  faitiiful  prosecution  of  their 
work. 

Nor  is  it  much  to  say,  considering  the  advantages  which 
the  managers  should  be  supposed  to  possess,  for  a correct 
judgment,  and  the  responsibilities  under  which  they  act, 
that  it  will  be  a very  rare  case,  in  which  the  cause  might 
be  served  by  a Missionary  acting  upon  his  own  opinion, 
in  repugnance  to  their  established  regulations,  or  deliberate 
decision. 

Like  the  members  of  other  Missions,  you  will  find  it 
convenient,  and  necessary  to  form  yourselves  into  a body 
politic,  having  rules  and  regulations  of  your  own,  hut 
conformable  or  not  repugnant,  to  the  directions  of  the 
Board,  or  Prudential  Committee;  for  the  orderly  manage- 
ment of  your  joint  concerns, — for  the  due  distribution  of 
your  means  of  support,  your  trusts  and  your  labours, — for 
the  keeping  of  regular  Records,  and  Journals, — for  your 
correspondence  with  the  Secretary,  and  accounts  with  the 
Treasurer,  of  the  Board, — and  for  various  purposes,  im- 
portant to  the  welfare  and  success  of  the  Mission.  Your 
economical  polity  will  be  founded  on  the  principle  estab- 
lished by  the  Board;  “That  at  every  Missionary  station, 
the  earnings  of  the  members  of  the  Mission,  and  all  monies 
and  articles  of  different  kinds,  received  by  them,  or  any  of 
them  directly  from  the  funds  of  the  Board,  or  in  the  way  of 
donation,  shall  constitute  a common  stock,  from  which  they 
shall  severally  draw  their  support,  in  such  proportions,  and 
under  such  regulations  as  may  from  time  to  time,  be  found 
advisable, and  be  approved  by  the  Board  or  by  the  Prudential 
Committee.”  And  in  your  general  system  and  particular 
arrangements,  proper  regard  will  be  had  to  the  distinction 
between  Missionaries,  and  Assistants;  to  respective  qualifi- 
cations for  different  trusts  and  parts  of  the  work;  to  the 
convenience  and  satisfaction  of  individuals;  and  to  the 
essential  interests  and  objects  of  the  Mission. 

To  regulations  or  assignments  thus  rightfully  made  by 
the  body,  as  well  as  to  directions,  proceeding  immediately 


VII 


from  the  Board,  or  the  Prudential  Committee;  every  mem- 
ber will  hold  himself  bound  to  give  heedful  observance. 
Likewise,  ye  younger , submit  yourselves  unto  the  elder.  Yea, 
all  of  you  be  subject  one  to  another , and  be  clothed  with 
humility:  for  God  resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth  grace  to  the 
humble,  lie  that  is  greatest  among  you,  let  him  be  as  the 
younger ; and  he  that  is  chief  as  he  that  doth  serve.  This 
injunction  of  the  sovereign  and  gracious  Lord  of  Missions, 
cannot  sink  too  deeply  into  your  hearts.  The  spirit  of  it 
is  vital  to  the  Missionary  Character,  and  to  the  Missionary 
Cause. 

3.  Unity  one  with  another: — Unity  founded  in 
brotherly  love, — on  charity  out  of  a pure  heart,  and  of  a 
good  conscience,  and  of  faith  unfeigned. 

The  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  spoken  to  his  disciples  and 
apostles,  just  as  he  was  on  the  point  of  resigning  himself 
to  the  Cross,  for  them  and  for  us,  are  never  to  be  forgotten: 
This  is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  anoth- 
er, AS  I HAVE  LOVED  YOU.  GREATER  LOVE  HATH  NO 
MAN  THAN  THIS,  THAT  A MAN  LAY  DOWN  HIS  LIFE  FOR 
HIS  FRIENDS.  Ye  ARE  MY  FRIENDS,  IF  YE  DO  WHAT- 
SOEVER i command  you.  Vcs,  says  the  disciple,  who  on 
that  same  evening,  leaned  on  Ilis  bosom,  Hereby  perceive 
we  his  love,  because  he  laid  down  his  life  for  us;  and  ice 
ought  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the  Brethren.  This  senti- 
ment was  felt  by  the  first  Christians,  and  especially  by  the 
first  Missionaries  of  the  Cross:  and  the  exclamation  was 
extorted  from  their  heathen  observers,  and  other  enemies, 
“See,  how  Christians  love  one  another.”  The  same  senti- 
ment should  be  felt,  must  be  felt  now;  and  especially,  by 
the  members  of  every  Christian  Mission  in  heathen  lands, 
and  the  same  impression  must  be  made,  on  all  who  hare 
opportunity  to  observe  their  quenchless  charity,  and  their 
indissoluble  unity. 

You  feel  now',  Dear  Brethren,  little  need  of  injunction 
or  exhortation  on  this  point;  you  do  love  one  another;  and 
your  feelings  would  persuade  you  that  your  mutual  love 
can  never  be  abated, — your  affectionate  union  never  be 


interrupted.  The  God  of  love  and  peace  grant  that  it 
may  ever  be  according  to  your  present,  most  fervent  feel- 
ings, and  our  most  fervent  desires. 

But  why  is  the  commandment  of  the  Saviour  so  emphati- 
cal?  and  why  is  the  injunction  so  often  and  so  earnestly 
repeated,  by  himself  and  by  ins  inspired  Apostles? 

In  Christians,  even  in  Christian  Missionaries,  there  arc 
remains  of  corrupt  nature.  Nor  should  it  escape  particular 
advertency,  that  the  circumstances  in  which  Missionaries 
arc  placed,  if  in  some  respects  favourable,  are  in  other  re- 
spects unfavourable,  to  uninterrupted  brotherly  love  and 
unity.  Brought  together,  and  closely  associated  as 
the  members  of  a Missionary  Establishment  are,  they 
have  opportunities  and  occasions  to  become  minutely 
acquainted  with  each  other,  and  to  perceive  and  feel 
the  differences  of  dispositions,  habits,  and  inodes  of 
thinking  and  acting,  and  the  respective  defects  as  well  as 
excellencies  of  temper  and  manner  and  character;  and 
being  in  contact  with  each  other,  at  so  many  points, 
whatever  of  discordant  qualities  exists  among  them,  will 
almost  unavoidably  be  often  brought  into  unpleasant  ac- 
tion, and  not  unfrequently,  unless  great  care  be  used  to 
prevent  it,  into  painful  and  dangerous  conflict.  Add  to  all 
this,  that  being  separated  from  the  great  world, — from  its 
various  and  ever  varying  connexions,  interests,  objects, 
pursuits  and  scenes,  their  unsanctified  propensities  and 
passions,  whatever  they  may  he,  are  necessarily  circum- 
scribed, and  held  within  a very  limited  range:  and,  there- 
fore, if  exerted  or  exhibited  at  all,  will  be  exhibited  and 
exerted  so  as  to  bear  with  their  whole  effect  upon  particular 
members,  or  in  the  entire  body  of  the  Mission.  The  almost 
certain  consequences  are  wounds  of  feeling,  breaches  of 
mutual  confidence,  disaffcctions,  alienations,  animosities, 
unkind  debates,  and  embittered  strifes.  The  old  unsleep- 
ing adversary  is  too  fully  aware  of  all  this;  and  too 
clearly  sees  the  point  to  which  his  subtle  artifices,  and 
malicious  efforts,  may  be  directed  with  the  surest  success. 


IX 


Tlic  emphasis  of  the  injunctions,  then, — the  pathos  of 
the  exhortations  on  this  subject, — is  not  without  reason; 
not  without  special  reason,  in  application  to  Missionaries. 
To  maintain  brotherly  love  in  its  requisite  purity,  con- 
stancy, strength  and  tenderness,  that  you  may  ail  be  insep- 
arably one,  as  Christ  and  the  Father  are  one, — will  require 
much  vigilance,  much  prayer,  much  crucifixion  of  self, 
much  sanctifying  grace.  Put  on  therefore  us  the  elect  of 
(iod,  holy  and  beloved , bowels  of  mercies , kindness , humble- 
ness of  miml, meekness,  long-suffering,  forbearing  one  another 
and  forgiving  one  another;  even  as  Christ  forgave  you,  so 
also  do  ye.  And  give  all  diligence  to  keep  yourselves 
always  in  this  spirit. 

4.  Benevolence  towards  the  objects  of  your 
mission.  Your  Mission  is  a mission  of  mercy,  ami  your 
work  is  to  be  wholly  a labour  of  love.  For  lung  and  dis- 
mal ages  of  darkness,  the  dwellers  in  Owhyhec,  and  the 
neighbouring  Isles,  have  been  perishing  for  lack  of  knowl- 
edge. The  Sun  of  Righteousness  lias  never  risen  upon 
them;  they  have  been  without  God,  and  without  hope  in  the 
world,  living  in  the  wretched  state  of  uncultured  man.  You 
are  going  to  publish  to  them  Good  Tidings, ‘ — to  bear  to 
them  the  message  of  heavenly  mercy  and  peace, — to  pres- 
ent to  them  a Light,  which  shall  dissipate  the  glooms,  so 
heavily  brooding  upon  them,  ami  show  them  the  way  of  hap- 
piness and  of  dignity,  of  glory  and  honour  and  immortality. 

Your  views  are  not  to  be  limited  to  a low  or  a narrow 
scale;  but  you  are  to  open  your  hearts  wide,  and  set  your 
mark  high.  You  are  to  aim  at  nothing  short  of  covering 
those  Islands  with  fruitful  fields,  and  pleasant  dwellings, 
and  schools  and  churches;  of  raising  up  the  whole  peo- 
ple to  an  elevated  state  of  Christian  Civilization;  of  bring- 
ing, or  preparing  the  means  of  bringing,  thousands  and 
millions  of  the  present  and  succeeding  generations  to  the 
mansions  of  eternal  blessedness. — Why  should  less  be 
done,  or  designed,  in  the  Sandwich,  than  has  been  done,  or 
is  now  in  fair  prospect,  in  the  Society  Islands, 

7 


But  it  is  an  arduous  enterprise, — a great  and  difficult 
work.  To  obtain  an  adequate  knowledge  of  the  language 
of  the  people;  to  make  them  acquainted  with  letters;  to  give 
them  the  Bible,  with  skill  to  read  it;  to  turn  them  from 
their  barbarous  courses  and  habits;  to  introduce,  and  get 
into  extended  operation  and  influence  among  them,  the 
arts  and  institutions  and  usages  of  civilized  life  and  soci- 
ety;— above  all,  to  convert,  them  from  their  idolatries, 
superstitions  and  vices,  to  the  living  and  redeeming  God, — 
his  truth,  his  laws,  his  ways  of  life,  of  virtue  and  of  glory: — 
To  effect  all  this,  must  be  the  work  of  an  invincible  and  in- 
defectible spirit  of  benevolence;  a spirit  which  is  not  to  be 
turned  from  its  purpose  by  any  ingratitude,  or  perverse- 
ness, or  mal-trcatment,  or  difficulties,  or  dangers;  which 
sufferetli  long,  and  is  kind;  which,  in  the  true  sense  of  the 
first  Missionary  to  the  heathen,  will  become  all  things  to 
all  men;  which  will  give  earnest  heed  to  the  counsels  of  wis- 
dom, and  be  studious  in  devising  the  best  means  and  meth- 
ods of  promoting  its  great  objects;  and  which  most  espec- 
ially, and  as  its  grand  reliance,  will  humbly  and  thankfully 
avail  itself  of  the  graciously  proffered  aid  of  Him  in  whom 
all  fullness  dwells. 

It  is  for  Him  you  arc  to  do  all,  and  suffer  all:  and  the 
same  mind  that  w as  in  Him, — when  He  came  to  seek  and  to 
save  that  which  was  lost,  and  gave  himself  a ransom  for 
many, — must  be  in  you.  As  his  kingdom,  to  which  it  is 
your  felicity  to  belong,  and  the  interests  of  which  only  you 
are  to  seek,  is  not  of  this  world; — like  Him,  you  will  with- 
hold yourselves  entirely  from  all  interference,  and  inter- 
meddling with  the  political  affairs  and  party  concerns  of 
the  nation  or  people  among  whom  you  reside;  paying  all 
proper  respect  to  the  powers  that  he,  and  rendering  to  all  their 
dues; — tribute  to  whom  tribute  is  due,cnstomto  whom  custom, 
honour  to  whom  honour  is  due:  and  showing  unto  all  men 
a bright  and  impressive  example,  of  a meek  and  quiet 
spirit, — and  of  whatsoever  things  are  true,  honest,  just, 
pure,  lovely,  and  of  good  report. 


XI 


Mr.  Bingham, and  Mr.  Thurston, — to  you  is  this  grace 
given,  that  you  should  he  sent  forth  to  preach  among  the 
Gentiles  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ; — to  make  him 
known  in  all  his  grace,  and  all  his  majesty,  to  them  that 
dwell  in  the  Isles  ajar  off,  that  have,  not  heard  his  fame , nor 
seen  liis  glory.  The  world — think  what  it  may — has  not 
an  office  in  its  gift,  which  is  not  annihilated,  when  com- 
pared with  that  of  the  Christian  Missionary: — not  a crown 
that  would  not  fade  into  utter  obscurity,  in  presence  of  that 
of  Paul.  The  seraph  nearest  the  Celestial  Throne,  might 
esteem  it  a distinguished  honour  to  execute  in  a manner 
befitting  its  nature  and  design,  the  trust  committed  to  you. 
Be  not  high-minded,  but  fear.  You  arc  but  carthern  ves- 
sels. All  your  sufficiency  is  of  God;  and  the  whole  glory 
w ill  be  his. 

To  you  jointly  is  committed,  this  consecrated  Mis- 
sion, proceeding  from  the  Bosom  of  Christian  and  of 
Heavenly  love: — this  little  but  precious  Church,  an  emana- 
tion from  that  glory  of  Jehovah,  which  is  rising  upon  our 
Zion;  and  destined,  we  trust,  to  be  a light  shining  in  a 
dark  place, — shining  more  and  more,  until  those  long  be- 
nighted Isles  shall  all  rejoice  in  the  perfect  day. 

Sec,  that  like  Moses,  you  follow, — and  faithfully  instruct 
all  to  w hom  your  care  is  to  be  unremittingly  extended, — 
to  follow  the  refulgent  Pillar  of  unerring  guidance;  and 
that  like  Paul,  you  resolve,  and  immovcably  maintain  the 
resolution,  to  know  nothing  among  the  teofle  to 

WHOM  YOU  ARE  SENT,  SAVE  JESUS  CHRIST  AND  HIM 
CRUCIFIED. 

Messrs.  Chamberlain,  IIolman,  Whitney,  Ruggles 
and  Loomis, — the  Apostles  of  the  Lord  had  their  Helpers. 
Gains  their  host,  and  of  all  the  Church,  Luke  the  beloved 
Physician,  Marcus,  Urbane  and  Tertius  were  Helpers. 
Their  witness  is  in  heaven,  and  their  record  on  high.  To 
the  same  high  and  holy  work,  you  are  designated  as  Help- 
ers: and  the  same  immortal  meed  is  set  before  you.  See 
that  you  so  run,  as  to  obtain. 


xii 

Whatever  you  possess  of  various  arts  and  knowledge 
and  faculties,  is  to  be  held  as  inviolably  consecrated  to 
the  service.  All  w ill  be  needed  in  the  different  parts  of  the 
work;  and  all  may  be  turned  to  important  account. 

To  you  it  wilt  belong  to  strengthen  the  hands  and  en- 
courage the  hearts  of  the  Missionaries:  to  do  what  you 
can,  in  jour  several  spheres,  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
Mission,  and  for  the  instruction,  improvement  and  happi- 
ness, temporal  and  eternal,  of  the  poor  pagans  of  the  Isles, 
and  especially  of  the  rising  hope  of  their  families,  of  their  na- 
tion and  of  the  Church;  and  to  shew'  to  them  and  the  world, 
that,  in  the  various  occupations  of  life,  men  may  turn  all 
their  talents,  and  all  their  labours,  and  ail  their  cares,  and 
all  their  sufferings  to  the  honour  of  Christ,  and  to  the 
highest  happiness  and  glory  of  themselves  and  their  fel- 
low-beings. All  this,  however,  you  can  do,  only  by  keep- 
ing quietly,  eacli  one  in  his  proper  place, — pursuing  cheer- 
fully each  one  his  proper  duty, — and  bearing  joyfully 
each  one  his  own  burden,  and  affectionately  the  burdens 
of  others. 

Remember  the  Lord  Jesus. — Though  he  was  rich , yet  for 
our  sakes  he  became  poor. — Though  he  thought  it  not  robbery 
to  be  equal  with  God;  yet  he  appeared  in  the  form  of  a ser- 
vant, and  went  about  doing  good.  Remember  loo,  that 
word  of  II is — He  that  over cometh,  the  same  shall  be  clothed 
in  white  raiment;  and  1 will  not  blot  out  his  name  out  of  the 
book  of  life , but  I will  confess  his  name  before  my  Father,  and 
before  lus  angels. 

The  beloved  females  of  the  mission — are  not  to  bo 
forgotten.  It  was  not  in  regard  to  tilings  merely  temporal 
that  Woman  was  designed,  by  the  sovereign  goodness  of 
the  Creator,  to  be  an  help  meet  for  Man;  nor  is  there  any 
law — of  heaven — for  excluding  the  sex  from  the  participa- 
tion for  which  the  same  sovereign  Goodness  has  fitted 
them,  in  the  toils  and  perils,  the  joys  and  the  glories  of 
recovering  the  common  race,  lost  in  consequence  of  her 
being  deceived  who  was  fust  in  the  transgression. 


XIII 


When  the  Son  of  God  was  on  His  Mission,  women — 
many  women,  testified  the  deepest,  interest  in  it;  minis- 
tered to  him  of  their  substance;  attended  him  in  his  jour- 
lieyings  and  labours;  and  even  followed  him,  when  his  dis- 
ciples forsook  him  and  fled,  and  earth  and  heaven  were 
in  dismay; — followed  him  out  to  the  scene  of  his  crucifix- 
ion. They  loved  the  Saviour;  loved  his  cause;  and  were 
happy  in  the  privilege  of  doing  what  they  could  for  him. 

And  among  the  Helpers  of  the  Apostles  were  1‘liebe,  a 
succourer  of  many,  and  of  Paul  himself, — Priscilla,  who 
w as  not  less  forward  than  her  husband,  to  expose  her  own 
life  for  the  safety  of  the  same  Apostle, — Mary,  Tryphena, 
Tryphosa,  Euodias,  and  the  beloved  Persia;  all  of  whom 
laboured  much  in  the  Lord;  and  their  names  arc  recorded 
with  marks  of  distinguished  approval,  lor  a sweet  memo- 
rial to  everlasting  ages,  and  before  the  throne  of  God  and 
the  Lamb  they  share  in  the  imperishable  honours  and 
felicities  of  Apostles  and  Martyrs. 

These  favoured  Daughters  of  Zion,  then,  who,  with  so 
much  tender  cheerfulness,  have  given  themselves  to  their 
Saviour  and  Lord,  for  this  arduous  service,  are  not  w ith- 
out warrant,  for  thus  leaving  the  world  to  its  own  opin- 
ions and  pursuits.  He,  it  is  not.  to  be  doubted,  kindly 
approves  and  accepts  this  sacred  seJf-devotement,  and 
these  many  sacrifices;  and  they  may  assure  themselves, 
that  by  the  Directors  and  Patrons  of  this  great  enter- 
prise, they  are  regarded,  and  will  be  remembered,  with 
most  affectionate  confidence  and  interest,  as  an  important 
part  of  the  Mission. 

Lpon  them,  under  Providence,  depend  in  no  small  de- 
gree its  comfort,  its  harmony,  and  its  success.  In  the 
domestic  concerns, — in  the  education  of  the  Heathen  Chil- 
dren,— in  the  various  cares,  and  trials,  and  labours,  of 
the  Mission, — by  their  assiduous  attentions,  their  affec- 
tionate offices,  their  prudent  suggestions,  their  cheering 
influences,  and  their  unceasing  prayers,  they  w ill  help  the 
Brethren.  And  to  tliemit  will  belong,  to  shew  to  the  rude 
and  depraved  Islanders  an  effective  example  of  the  purity. 


XiV 


and  dignity,  and  loveliness, — the  salutary  ami  vivifying 
influence,  the  attractive  and  celestial  excellence,  which 
Christianity  can  impart  to  the  Female  Character. 

John  Honoouee,  Thomas  Hopoo,  and  William  Ten- 
nooe,  little  did  you  know,  when  you  left  the  dark  dwellings 
of  your  nativity,  for  w hat  purpose  you  were  coining  to  these 
unknown  shores.  Little  did  you  think  that  here  you  were 
to  be  born  again;  to  be  made  the  children  of  Him,  who 
created  the  earth  and  the  heavens, — the  everlasting  God, 
whom  your  fathers  had  never  known, — and  to  receive  a title 
to  an  inheritance  incorruptible  and  undefiled  and  which 
shall  never  fade  away.  But  the  purpose  was  well  know  n to 
Him,  who  leadeth  the  blind  by  a way  that  they  know  not; 
and  is  found  of  them  that  seek  him  not.  Unspeakable  is 
the  grace  which  lie  has  bestowed  upon  you;  unspeakable 
and  everlasting  are  your  obligations  to  him. 

It  is  not,  however,  for  your  sakes  only  that  this  grace 
has  boon  conferred.  It  is  to  be  gratefully  recognised  and 
hailed  as  a precious  earnest  of  exceeding  riches  of  mercy 
to  be  ere  long  bestowed  upon  your  nation,  and  to  descend 
with  multiplying  blessings  to  successive  generations. 

You  go  back  to  your  native  Isles  with  the  richest  treas- 
ure, which  the  high  Possessor  of  heaven  and  earth  could 
place  in  your  hands.  Yrou  must  go  with  your  own  hearts 
filled  with  this  treasure;  and  burning  with  the  desire,  and 
fixed  in  the  purpose,  of  communicating  it  to  your  poor 
perishing  relations,  friends,  and  countrymen.  To  them 
you  arc  to  carry  back  good  tidings  of  great  jot;  and 
to  make  known  all  that  you  have  here  learned,  of  utility 
and  importance,  for  tkc  life  that  now  is,  and  for  that  w hich 
is  to  come. 

What  would  have  beenllie  feelings  of  Obookiah,  had  he 
lived  to  sec  this  day! — He  does  live, — and  he  does  behold 
this  day;  and  amid  the  ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand 
before  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb,  lie  is  raising  a 
new  ami  immortal  note  of  praise,  for  the  light  which  is 
dawning  upon  Owbyhcc  and  the  kindred  Islands. 


XT 


\ou  will  never  forget  Obonkiah. — You  will  never  forget 
his  fervent  love, — his  affectionate  counsels, — his  many 
prayers  and  tears  for  you,  and  for  his  and  your  nation.  You 
saw  him  die; — saw  how  the  Christian  could  triumph  over 
death  and  the  grave; — saw  the  radiant  glory  in  which 
he  left  this  world  for  heaven.  You  will  remember  it 
always;  and  you  will  tell  it  to  your  kindred  and  country- 
men who  are  dying  without  hope. 

To  the  hearts  of  many  thousands  in  this  land,  Beloved 
young  Brethren  in  Christ,  you  are  dear; — they  have  borne 
you  often  before  the  mercy  seat  of  heaven:  and  upon  you 
as  the  First  Fruits  of  the  Sandwich  Islands  to  Christ,  hopes 
of  unutterable  tenderness  and  interest  are  placed.  Oh, 
should  you  disappoint  these  hopes! — Should  you, — the 
first  of  your  nation  who  have  had  the  privilege  to  know 
and  confess  the  True  God  and  Eternal  Life — should 
you  turn  away  from  llim,  make  shipwreck  of  your  faith, 
and  plunge  again  into  the  corruptions  of  your  former 
state  of  ignorance, — earth  and  heaven  might  be  moved! — 
But  who  can  tell  the  temptations  that  await  you?  And 
w hose  heart  does  not  tremble,  while  it  hopes  concerning 
you? 

Put  on,  dear  Youths,  the  w hole  armour  of  God,  that  you 
may  be  able  to  withstand  in  the  evil  day.  fCe  beseech  you, 
and  exhort  you  by  the  Lord  Jesus , that  us  ye  have  received 
of  us  how  ye  ought  to  walk , and  to  please  God,  so  you  would 
abound  more  and  more.  And  this  we  pray,  that  your  love 
may  abound  yet  more  and  more  in  knowledge  and  in  all 
judgment;  that  ye  may  approve  things  that  are  excellent; 
that  ye  may  be  sincere  and  without  offence,  till  the  day  iff 
Christ;  being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which 
are  by  Jesns  Christ  unto  the  glory  and  praise  of  God. 

Beloved  Members  of  the  Mission,  Male  and  Female,  tliis 
Christian  Community  is  moved  for  you,  and  for  your 
enterprise.  The  offerings,  ami  prayers,  and  tears,  and 
benedictions,  and  vows  of  the  Churches  are  before  the 
throne  of  Everlasting  Mercy.  They  must  not  be  vio- 
lated;— they  must  not — cannot  be  lost. — But  how  can  y<m 


XU 


sustain  tlie  responsibility! — A nation  to  be  enlightened, 
and  renovated,  and  added  to  the  civilized  world,  and  to  the 
kingdom  of  the  world’s  Redeemer  and  rightful  Sovereign! — 
In  Iiis  Name  only,  and  by  His  Power,  can  the  enterprise 
he  achieved.  In  Him  be  all  your  trust.  To  Him,  most 
affectionately  and  devoutly,  and  to  the  Word  of  his  Grace, 
we  commend  you. 

By  the  Prudential  Committee. 

S.  Worcester,  Secretary, 

Boston,  Oct.  15, 1819. 


MISSION  TO  THE  SANDWICH  ISLANDS. 


Brig  T/iaddeus , Boston,  Capt.  Andrew  Blanchard. 
MISSIONARIES. 

Rev.  Hiram  Bingham,  A.  M.  Mid.  Coll,  of  Bennington,  Vt. 

Rev.  Asa  Thurston,  A.  M.  Yale  Coll,  of  Fitchburg,  Mass. 

ASSISTANTS. 

Mr.  Daniel  Chamber  i.ain,  Agriculturalist,  Brookfield,  Mas.^. 
Dr.  Thomas  Holman,  Physician,  Cooperstown,  N.  Y. 

Mr.  Samuel  Whitney,  Mechanic  Ct  Schoolmaster , Branford,  Con 
Mr.  Samuel  Ruggles,  Catechist  Cf  Schoolmaster,  Brookfield,  Con 
Mr.  Elisha  Loomis,  Printer  t?  Schoolmaster , Middlesex,  N.  Y. 

NATIVE  TEACHERS. 

John  Honooree,  Native  of  Owhyhee. 

Thomas  Hopoo,  Native  of  Owhyhee. 

William  Tennooi,  Native  of  Atooi. 

FEMALES. 

Mrs.  Bingham,  [late  Miss  Sybil  Moseley,]  Westfield,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Thurston,  [Miss  Lucy  Goodale,]  Marlborough,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Jerusha  Chamberlain,  Mother  of  3 sons  and  2 daughters, 
eldest,  13,  who  go  with  her. 

Mrs.  Holman,  [Miss  Lucia  Ruggles,]  Brookfield,  Con. 

Mrs.  Whitney,  [Miss  Mercy  Partridge,]  Pittsfield,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Ruggles,  [Miss  Nancy  Welles]  East- Windsor,  Con. 

Mrs.  Loomis,  [Miss  Maria  T.  Sartwell,]  Utica,  N.  Y. 

George  Tamoree, — son  of  Tamoree,  king  of  Atooi  and 
Oneehcow,  two  of  the  Sandwich  Islands, — who  has  been  educated 
wiih  the  other  Native  Youths,  at  the  Foreign  Mission  School. 
Cornwall,  Con.  returns  with  the  Mission  to  his  Father. 


